Kentucky Christian Themed Attraction Presents Noah's Ark Interpreted From Book of Genesis

Jeff Walker,  Entertainment  Writer

While Williamstown, Kentucky is a welcoming hamlet centrally positioned between Cincinnati Ohio and Lexington KY, the small town of 4K residents often doubles and triples in size especially on the weekends due to its most popular attraction. Open eight years (2016) the Ark Encounter is a life size replica of the Biblical ship Noah built in accordance to God's direction and purpose. 

Owned and operated by Answers In Genesis, an American Christian apologetics organization, the organization advocates creationism on the basis of its literal, historical, and grammatical interpretation of the Book of Genesis and the Bible as a whole. Built in partnership with the Amish who are known for their craftmanship, the Ark is currently the largest timber framed structure in the world.

510 feet long, 51 feet high, and 85 feet wide, Noah's Ark was no doubt a modern marvel in its day, with the Ark Encounter going to great lengths to provide a much detail as possible. Encompassing three decks and numerous displays, the Ark Encounter offers up historical facts on how Noah and his family may have lived on the boat, as well the animals they cared for, which are incredibly detailed to life like sculptors.

Granted, Answers In Genesis do take some liberties presenting the ark. Chapter six in Genesis gives us just a few details regarding the massive boat, mostly about the overall size and exterior makeup. Little is mentioned on the ark's interior aside from providing rooms. Still, the Answers In Genesis do a adequate job representing what it may have looked like inside, as well as how Noah and his fellow occupants (family & animals) kept busy and nourished. 

Although it took less than two years to build the replica in Kentucky, Noah no doubt spent decades building God's ark. There is no specific timeline given in the Bible, but given his age Bible historians believe Noah and his sons spent 50 to 100 years to construct the ark, and we can only assume he took a lot of ridicule for building a massive boat on top of a hill. A righteous man, Noah followed God's direction and it can be deduced that the heavenly Father provided express specifications on how to complete the boat inside and out during the overall process.

I encourage visitors to sit through two short films displayed on the second and third floors. 'The Noah Interview' and the modern day follow up 'As In the Days of Noah' present an amusing, educational and somewhat cynical narrative from a tabloid magazine perspective. The underlying message bridging the past to present day is that God provides an ark to save mankind, and that ark today is His son Jesus Christ.

The Ark Encounter is a must see for Christians, people of faith, Bible believers, and those seeking answers to God's calling. It makes for a fun filled family or church group outing. Aside from the massive boat the theme park area includes the Ararat Ridge Zoo which provides unique behind-the-scenes zoo experiences, with a separate Children's Zoo as well and a zipline adventure. And let me add, the entire complex is colorful and gracefully landscaped.

If you're hungry during your ark adventure you might want to save up your appetite for a Emzara’s Buffet. As their website page declares this themed two story award-winning restaurant serves up a variety of delicious entrées, salads, and desserts, including food-allergy and kid-friendly options! Incredible home style cooking resembling an after Sunday church family meal. Given today's economy, it's priced right for all you get. More at https://arkencounter.com/dining/

Something for kids of all ages at the Ark Encounter. Much like a tent revival it will further restore your belief in the heavenly Father and His masterful plan. Maybe leave through the gift shop and pick up a nice memento or a coffee table book documenting your visit. For more on the Ark Encounter check out https://arkencounter.com/

Where to Stay:

There are several hotels that partner with the Ark Encounter. Given the theme park is in a more remote area of Kentucky, several of the hotels are 20 to 30 minutes away. However, there are a few within a five minute radius including the Comfort Suites in Dry Ridge, as well as its sister property the Holiday Inn Express. 

Both are pet friendly, smoke-free hotels located just off Interstate 75, providing clean affordable rooms, daily hot breakfast, wi-fi, fitness center, and indoor pools. Forgotten something, or in the need of items to extend your trip. A Walmart is located a stones throw from both locations. Very convenient, as are a wide variety of fast food eateries.

Save some money, especially if you're enjoying a two day Ark Encounter experience with the family and stay at either the Comfort Suites or Holiday Inn Express in Dry Ridge, Kentucky. For more on both hotels visit them separately at https://www.choicehotels.com/kentucky/dry-ridge/comfort-suites-hotels/ky323?mc=llgoxxpx or https://www.ihg.com/holidayinnexpress/hotels/us/en/dry-ridge/cvgdy/hoteldetail