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Step Inside Kentucky’s Awe-Inspiring Ark Encounter

Kentucky may be known for bourbon, Bluegrass music and horse racing, but it’s also home to one of America’s most extraordinary attractions. 
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In the rolling hills of Williamstown, the Ark Encounter rises from the landscape – a 510-foot-long timber-frame structure that reimagines the legendary vessel of Noah’s Ark on an epic scale. 
Just 45 minutes by car from Cincinnati and under an hour from Lexington, the Ark Encounter is perfectly placed for a day trip or as part of a longer Kentucky road adventure. Many visitors pair it with the Creation Museum in Petersburg, also about 45 minutes away, for a full weekend of exploration.
Inside the Ark’s soaring seven stories, immersive exhibits explore the story of Noah’s Ark in thought-provoking ways, blending storytelling with striking craftsmanship. Visitors are invited to step into an ancient world, while families will find plenty to engage younger imaginations.
But the experience extends well beyond the Ark itself. The Ararat Ridge Zoo brings you up close with animals from across the globe, while the Screaming Eagle zip lines offer thrilling views of the surrounding landscape. For something different, the Truth Traveler virtual reality ride takes guests on a dynamic 5D journey, adding a futuristic twist to the encounter. Seasonal events and evening programs add another dimension, and each night the Ark is illuminated in a rainbow of LED lights – a dazzling spectacle against the Kentucky sky.
With direct British Airways flights from London Heathrow to Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, getting here is simple. From there, it’s a short drive to Williamstown and the gateway to a wider Kentucky journey filled with bourbon distilleries, Bluegrass music halls and scenic countryside.
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For tickets and visitor information, visit arkencounter.com. For more inspiration to plan your Kentucky trip, go to kentuckytourism.com.

 

Posted by: Kentucky Tourism
Posted on: 18/09/2025

Step Inside Kentucky’s Awe-Inspiring Ark Encounter

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