Ark Encounter

Last week my husband and I visited the Ark Encounter at Williamstown, KY. I would like to share my experience in visiting this attraction.

I had heard about it, have visited its sister attraction "The Creation Museum" several years ago. I also know both attractions are owned and operated by the same organization.

We drove into this huge parking lot - large enough to accommodate 4000 vehicles - and proceeded to the ticket office to buy our tickets. After waiting in a long line we finally were able to get them and then proceeded to the waiting area to board the buses that take the people back to the Ark which was a mile from the ticket office. The road winded around the hills - up and down and around - and eventually it came up and there in the distance sat the Ark. As I saw it from a distance I was struck with intense emotion - I fought tears.

We walked up to the Ark, watched a video in the waiting area of its construction and proceeded to enter the Ark. Upon entering we heard loud noises that mimicked stormy weather. Very appropriate.

We wandered around, studying the exhibits and then I stood back and studied the wooden structure itself. Again, I was awed by the massive size - it is H.U.G.E. And...there were three floors of it. I felt so little. So little. I was astounded with its size and the craftsmanship. This work entailed the craftsmanship of many geniuses. Again, I fought tears because it was so awesome. My sense of comprehension flowed deeply into the deepest recesses of my mind, and understanding.

Ken Ham hired the Troyer Group to spearhead this project. LeRoy Troyer's firm consists of 40. LeRoy hired other engineering firms to assist with the design and its construction. He says no one person/firm knows it all so are dependent on the insights of others to get the job done. Mr. Troyer says the first order of business was to build, develop teamwork among those who can and will assist with this project.

But God.

But God gave Noah the plan, told him how to do it and he did. How did he do it? Dunno. But it is absolutely amazing. It is obvious that ancient men had greater construction skills them moderns credit them. Primitive? How can one say that one man with the assistance of three sons were able to build such a massive structure...did they have cranes to lift beams, etc. back them? Did they hired others to help build? Don't know.

It size is awesome - I can easily understand how that boat could carry the number of animals scripture tells Noah took with him.

Ken Ham declares that if one denies the reality of the flood it would not take much to deny the reality of heaven and hell. I agree.

I love flowers, bird, colors, shapes and how they are entwined to create an object of beauty. To me it demonstrates the creativity of God, his love for beauty that leaves a person awestruck. The Ark demonstrates to me the work of a Creator who used a righteous man to portray redemption, creativity, plus....

I enjoyed the Ark better then the Creation Museum because a simple person can comprehend a boat filled with animals and a storm that rages, flooding the countryside.The Creation Museum requires a working knowledge of the evolutionary theory to appreciate it to its fullest. A child can understand the Ark and a flood that necessitated it.

I was richly blessed and hope to return someday.

Just thought I would share my thoughts ....

Sandra

Sounds pretty amazing. I am sure it would have a similar effect on me.

Did they depict dinosaurs in the ark? Just curious.

I also am wondering if they depicted how Noah and his family dealt with the manure- I have always been curious about that.

Todd, "yes" to all your questions. I am sure a male would find their theories fascinating on how they may have fed the animals and disposed of their wastes.

I suggest that when you go plan on taking your time and do not rush.

Troyer also declares this ark is the largest wooden structure in the world.

There are critics that work to discredit this venture. All I can say is go visit it and allow it to speak to you. That size....I can hardly get over it...

Sandra

I am going up there in December. Both to the Ark encounter and to the creation museum. Is there an elevator in the Ark or is it all steps?

How easy was it to find the Ark encounter?

Ark Encounter is close to I-75, there are signs on the interstate informing the motorists of its location. The entrance to the Ark may be 1.5 mile - just guessing - from the interstate.

I am not aware of any elevators that are available for public use but there are long ramps that lead from one level to the next. They do have wheelchairs for rent if anyone needs them. I felt like I could have used one because I was very tired by the time we were ready to leave, but then I am not a spring chicken, either.

At the Ark you can buy combo tickets for the Creation Museum and the Ark Encounter.

At the Creation Museum they have some beautiful outside gardens that invite the visitor to browse and enjoy. Suspect that by December the plants would have succumbed to freezes.

Sandra

Their website said some GPS units may not recognize the address. I don't use GPS anyway but I did wonder if it was a tough find.

My wife has bursitis so steps is a no no for her. Handicapped walkways will be the way to go then.

Was the experience an all day thing for you?

We do plan on going to the creation Museum as well so I suppose we will buy those tickets there as well.

I am not too big on the flower aspect. That is mere decoration for me. I do wonder about the cold because coming from FL really cold weather tends to go right through our jackets unless I go to pro bass shop and see if they have hunter jackets lol.

In any case we are going Dec 14-18. Dec 15 is our anniversary. Wife wants to go see this. It is a consolation prize for us since we were supposed to have gone to Penn. this past weekend to the Witnesses now for Jesus convention but hurricane Matthew cancelled out flight. We got our money back and put it toward this new trip.

John, I cannot over emphasize the point: take your time. We spent four hours inside the ark, not counting the time spent waiting to get the tickets. Could have spent more time but we had to be at a certain place before too late. There are plenty of benches throughout the Ark for people to sit and rest so you do not have to rush.

As for steps - am not sure but do not recall seeing any except the ones on the bus. If your wife has bursitis I suggest she get a wheelchair - the last thing you want is to experience excruciating pain that will mar your enjoyment of the place.

Lodging could be an issue but a non-issue if some forethought is taken. I checked online and the motels in Williamstown filled up rapidly. Georgetown had plenty of motels and they were not booked like the ones in Williamstown.

Go and be blessed!

Sandra