If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to step inside Noah’s Ark, the Ark Encounter in Williamstown, Kentucky is about as close as you’ll get — minus the floodwaters. And just a short drive away, the Creation Museum offers another deep dive into Biblical history with exhibits, gardens, and hands-on experiences.
I visited both and discovered that while you can breeze through each in about an hour during low-crowd times, there’s so much detail and interactive fun that you’ll want to slow down and savor it all. Here’s my first-hand account — complete with insider tips, pro tricks, photos, and even a reminder about why I never travel without cash.
Getting There & Beating the Crowds
The Ark Encounter opens at 9:00 a.m., and if you can swing it, go on a weekday outside of peak seasons. That’s what I did, and I practically had the place to myself for the first hour.
I grabbed my ticket (buy online or on-site), then hopped on the shuttle bus to the Ark grounds. I walked right in with no line — the perfect way to enjoy the quiet before midday crowds rolled in. By the time I wrapped up my tour just before noon, it was noticeably busier — perfect timing.
The Virtual Reality Experience — Before (or After) the Ark
One of the unique extras at the Ark Encounter is the Truth Traveler Virtual Reality experience (aka the Adventure Encounter). It’s a short, immersive journey that brings a Biblical scene to life. The animation is a little pixelated, but still fun — especially for kids.
💡 Money-Saving Tip: Purchase your VR ticket before 1:00 p.m. and complete the experience before 1:00 p.m. to save $2. You can plan it before or after your Ark walk-through — just make sure it’s done before the cutoff to qualify.
⚠️ Heads-up: The headset fit may cause mild motion sickness for some.
Exploring the Ark
You can move through the Ark in about an hour if you’re quick, but I recommend taking your time to absorb the detail and craftsmanship.
Don’t Miss This Tip: On the second floor, the ramp to the third floor is near the big door display on the left, next to the shops (the ramp is to the right). I missed it the first time and had to circle back.
The exhibits cover everything from animal care to living quarters, with thought-provoking Biblical perspectives throughout. They also snap your photo at the entrance and offer packages if you want a keepsake.
Camel Encounters, Zoo Walks, and More
After the Ark, I headed over to the Camel Encounter from 11:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. to feed them. Pro tip — bring cash. When I went, their system was down and it was cash only for feeding tickets. Luckily, I had some on hand (and if you’ve read my previous post on Why I Always Carry Cash, you know exactly why I was prepared).
The camels were just as curious as they look — and they’re not shy about coming right up for snacks. There’s also a camel ride option from 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. if you want a little more adventure.
The grounds also feature a small zoo and a Junior Adventure Zoo with unique animals to see. Restrooms, snacks, and shaded seating areas are easy to find — a big win in summer.
Pro Tips for the Ark Encounter
- Make It a Shirt Event: Matching shirts make it easier to find your group in a crowd — plus they’re a fun keepsake.
- Bring an Umbrella: Works for sun and rain. And hey, God already promised not to flood the earth again. 😉
- Arrive Early: Parking and shuttles are much smoother before the rush.
Moving On to the Creation Museum
With light crowds, you could walk through in an hour, but there’s so much to take in that I recommend more time.
💡 Fun Fact: Noah at the Creation Museum doesn’t look the same as Noah at the Ark Encounter. Tell me if you notice it too!
Don’t Skip the Outdoors
To the right of the museum, you’ll find the Conservatory and Gardens with a butterfly exhibit, kids’ area, and zip lining. There’s also a winding garden footpath. Some of the suspension bridges were closed for repairs during my visit — hopefully, you’ll get to cross them.
Go left from the museum entrance for beautiful scenery — perfect for slowing down and taking it all in.
Indoor & Outdoor Highlights
Inside, you’ll find shows, videos, and exhibits with strong Biblical perspectives. Much of the experience is indoors, but the outdoor areas are worth your time — they’re also perfect for photos.
Both attractions are set up for comfort:
- Restrooms galore
- Plenty of snacks and drinks
- Souvenir shops
- Accessibility features, including elevators and wide walkways
Tips & Tricks for the Area + Bonus Stops
- Eat Local: In Williamstown, check out Beans Cafe & Bakery for breakfast or Emzara’s Buffet right by the Ark. Near the Creation Museum, there are several family-owned diners worth trying.
- Between the Attractions: The drive between the Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum is under 45 minutes — perfect for a quick stop. Consider grabbing a bite in Dry Ridge, checking out local antique stores, or stretching your legs at one of the small-town parks along the way.
- Make It a Two-Day Adventure: If you really want to take it all in without feeling rushed, plan the Ark for one day and the Creation Museum for another.
Stay Hydrated
Summer in Kentucky can be hot and humid, and while much of your time will be indoors, you’ll still do a fair bit of walking outside. Bring a refillable bottle and use the water stations throughout both sites.
Final Thoughts
Visiting the Ark Encounter and Creation Museum together makes for an unforgettable Biblical history trip. Whether you explore both in one day or spread them over two, you’ll walk away with a deeper appreciation for the stories of faith and the people who bring them to life through these attractions.
📌 Want my free “Ark Encounter Essentials” and “Creation Museum Essentials” printable checklists with time-saving tips, must-see stops, comfort hacks, bonus pro tips, and suggested area stops? Send me a quick message and I’ll email them so you can save them to your phone or print them for your trip.
💼 P.S. Love exploring and sharing travel experiences? You can travel more and even earn an income as a travel agent or travel marketing rep. Message me and I’ll show you how to get started — no experience needed!
✈️ Wander With Me — because the best adventures start when you step into the unknown.
Wander with Me 
Leave a comment