The Ark Encounter

  

The Ark Encounter. What is it you may ask? Well it's more than what I can say in a blog and more than what I can describe. Located in a rural town of Williamstown, KY, lies a lifetime experience that you have to see to understand. I visited it myself over this past weekend with my mother and husband and like many I was thinking oh this is just going to be some giant religious fest of someone trying to choke their beliefs down your throat. I couldn't have been more wrong. Yes I will say religion and the story of the ark are the main points throughout this incredible museum (which mind you that's all this really is a museum that just happens to be partly shaped like an ark). Yet you will find within it's walls an array of information from the creation of the world (based on the bible), to the story of the ark and the flood, to the ice age, how fossils were formed, influences of modern technology, different areas of the world itself. This museum is still much a baby for it only opened July 7, 2016 and it's creator still has much more to add. Currently open are the museum, a two story restaurant that we didn't peek at, a small live animal exhibit (which we felt needed much work), and within the next few months the zip line and tower obstacle course will open. Prices to get in are rather steep for a museum which below you can judge for yourself (why I say this could be a once in a lifetime experience with these prices).

Despite the prices I do recommend to trying to see this place at least once. Tickets can be purchased there or online at http://www.ArkEncounter.com/. After you receive your ticket you will find yourself moved to a line to get on a charter bus which will drive you the one mile down to the ark itself, the buses also return you to the main entrance. I don't know how others will react to it but myself seeing that creation for the first time in person, why it took my breath away. I mean just think the possibility of someone creating such an enormous vessel using only simple hand tools no heavy equipment, no specialized items, just their bare hands simple tools and hard work. My biggest piece of advice I can offer is this.....wear extremely comfortable shoes and clothing because it's a lot and I mean a lot of walking. Here's a photo of the first of many ramps just to get inside, which I think was a total of 5 ramps to go up.

I feel like this post is incomplete of what it needs to be but I'm not the best review person and I don't want to spoil this experience by giving away too much. It's really something you need to see to understand. I don't recommend taking small children though because they would become bored and restless. This is a museum and a no touch look only type. The museum has 3 levels to explore and the restaurant is located outside across from the gift shop entrance and the live animals are located behind the museum a good little walk away from it though. I advise giving yourself plenty of time to go through this so you can take your time and really read things. It's an incredible experience in my opinion and I know many will go to it and say it was a joke or a waste of time and money, but everyone has their own opinions and no one is right or wrong. This is just what I feel about this place. I enjoyed it a great deal and honestly wouldn't mind a return visit preferably when it's not so hot outside lol (inside is air conditioned). The entire facility was clean, well maintained, and filled with friendly helpful staff. I think this blog post is getting lengthy so I'm going to end it. I know I really didn't do well to "review" this place but it's not my thing and I lack the proper know how to do so. I just wanted to give my two cents about this place I'll tack on just a couple pics but again I don't want to ruin it for people. All I can say is go, go and see it and judge for yourself if you like it great if not that's ok because it's not going to be for everyone's liking. So pet enjoy your day and if you ever venture this way go see the ark of kentucky it's pretty cool place I think.