4/29/26
Location: Northern KY RV Park, Dry Ridge, KY
The Ark Encounter
Shell
Walmart
ChILL

The long anticipated tour of the Ark Encounter is today! Skip willingly left the comfort of his bed early. Quick breakfast and coffee and we were out the door by 8:15. The parking lot at the Ark Encounter does not open until 8:30, which is 30 minutes ahead of the 9:00 AM Ark opening. We arrived at 8:28 and were about the sixth vehicle in line for parking. After waiting less than 10 minutes we boarded the first shuttle bus for the short drive to the Ark. 

It is difficult to put in words how huge the Ark is/was! The Ark Encounter replica is built to scale using the details provided in the Bible in the Book of Genesis. Noah’s Ark and this replica are amazing feats of engineering. Because we arrived early in the day and early in the year before most people have started taking their vacations, we were able to immerse ourselves in the sights and sounds duplicated in the Ark Encounter, making it easier to imagine what it might have been like for Noah and his family. As we walked through the various areas we were hearing the sounds of animals adding to the authenticity of  the experience. 

Around noon it was more crowded with the animal sounds drowned out by people having normal conversations as they walked through the Ark making us very glad we had arrived early to experience more on our own.

Our quick light breakfast had worn off so we headed to the buffet in another building near the Ark. They had many different choices of sides and entrees and some desserts. Decent food for a buffet but nothing special. 

Both of us said that the Ark Encounter exceeded our expectations, and my expectations were very high. They did a terrific job explaining what information was known to be true and what information was likely to be true. It was an accurate representation of the Word of God that came to life before our very eyes.

I was surprised to see how accessible the Ark Encounter was for those with mobility issues and families with strollers. Of course these areas were not on Noah’s Ark but it was well done and not distracting from the overall experience. 

Both of us were pleasantly tired after our tour and just wanted some downtime. Instead Skip filled up the truck at the Shell station and we went to Walmart for more supplies. With our small refrigerator and freezer we find it is necessary to restock more often. Also we are never sure what will be conveniently available near each campground so we like to be self sufficient when possible.

After having our buffet lunch we decided that peanut butter and jelly sandwiches would be just right for dinner.

Some TV and showers and we ended another wonderful day.