Those who travel to this destination will see three decks with 132 bays on the ark, each of which are about 18 feet tall. Visitors come onto the ark in the lowest deck and then move between levels on ramps found through the center of the ark. Bays on the first deck have animals that may have been on the ark. Of course, there are no live animals on the ark, but there are petting zoo areas located on the ark grounds.
The second deck has more animal models along with dioramas of the workshop Noah may have had on the ark. On the third deck, there are displays that present what may have been happening inside and outside of the ark during the flood. The ark sits 15 feet off the ground with concrete towers holding it up. There are stairwells, elevators, and restrooms by the hull.
The theme park's announcement came in 2010 and the builders planned for it to cost $150 million to complete. It opened in 2016 on July 7 to correspond with Genesis 7:7, which talks about Noah and his wives entering the ark to escape the flood waters.
The Ark Encounter attracts between 1.5 million and 2.2 million people every year and local accommodations and amenities have expanded to deal with the tourism growth in the area. Because of that growth, there are plenty of places to stay, restaurants to enjoy, and other things to do in the region.
What Are Some Affordable Hotels Near Ark Encounter?
Sunrise Inn Williamstown by Magnuson Worldwide is a great place to stay for every type of traveler, even those on a budget. The hotel is located directly across from the Ark Encounter and offers free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and parking. Guests can enjoy the convenience of having the attraction they want to see right across the street, plus, they can save money so they have more to spend on their adventures while they're in the area.
Americas Best Value Inn & Suites Williamstown keeps you close to the ark, but also puts you close to Piddle Park and Dry Ridge Outlet Mall. There are 38 guestrooms with mini fridges and microwaves. The great prices here allows guests to enjoy the on-site Mexican restaurant, and there's a picnic area on-site as well. The hotel offers a free continental breakfast and every room has a coffee maker and cable TV.
What Are the Best Hotels Near Ark Encounter With Luxury Amenities?
The Hampton Inn Dry Ridge gives guests a few extra options with an indoor pool, a fitness center, 24-hour business center, hot breakfast, and more. There are other restaurants within walking distance as well. Guests can walk to Bolz Lake within a few minutes and the VF Outlet is just 6 minutes away on foot. The casual rooms have a custom design complete with lap desks to allow visitors to work from the comfort of their own bed. The daily hot breakfast includes breakfast bags to-go on weekdays for guest's convenience.
Staying 20 miles away from the ark in the Belterra Casino Resort has its perks. You get to be on the waterfront in one of the 608 rooms that feature individual decorations, iPod docking stations, 42-inch LCD TVs with cable, and more. Guests will appreciate the marble bathrooms, glassed-in showers, whirlpool tubs, and the plush sitting areas that come with the upgraded rooms. There's free valet parking in addition to a lively casino, a salon and spa, and private cabanas around the sundeck and outdoor pool. The hotel also has an upscale steak house, as well as a casual buffet restaurant and a relaxing sports bar.
Which Hotels Offer Discounts Near the Ark Encounter?
The Microtel Inn by Wyndham Dry Ridge has great discounts for families who want to travel together to see the Ark Encounter. There are many dining and fast food restaurants in the vicinity, and guests are located 5 miles from the ark and 7 miles from Williamstown Ark. The rooms are relaxing and have Wi-Fi and flat-screen TVs. Suites include sitting areas, whirlpool tubs, pull-out sofas and more. The simple dining area serves a continental breakfast each morning and parking for cars, trucks, and even RVs is free.
AAA members get great discounts at the Ramada by Wyndham Sparta at Speedway. There are 78 rooms available and guests are just 3 miles from downtown Sparta. Laid-back rooms have coffee makers, and suites have whirlpool tubs. Kids get to stay free with adults, and the continental breakfast in the morning is complimentary. There's also an indoor pool, hot tub, and fitness center. Even pets are welcome for an extra fee.
When Should Travelers Visit the Ark Encounter?
Spring and fall are the nicest times to visit this area of the country. The temperatures in Kentucky can vary, with cold weather in the winter and humid, hot temperatures in the summer. This is why many people try to take in the Ark Encounter in the spring and fall. However, the summer months are actually the busiest time for the attraction since families have more availability to travel once school is out for a few months.
Those looking to get a good deal on hotels might want to consider visiting the area in the winter. Kentucky doesn't get much snow and has moderate temperatures, though things can get rainy and wet. Flights aren't as expensive and there will be more hotel options and discounts available.
For weather purposes, traveling in the spring and fall are nice. Prices are going to be a bit higher, but the Ark Encounter won't be as busy as it is over the summer months when even more people flock to the attraction to see what it's all about.