We took a trip to Williamstown, Kentucky to visit the Ark Encounter. We had talked about doing this when our children were much younger but we never did. Our children have become adults now so my wife and I decided to do a trip with her parents. We left early one morning and made several stops so we could get refreshments and stretch our legs.
The Drive
The drive from Knoxville all the way to Williamstown offers some spectacular views. Even though we went during the early part of summer, the view of the mountainous terrain with the valleys are some of the most picturesque I’ve seen in my lifetime. I remember these same views as a college football player traveling on buses to play some of the smaller NCAA Division III or NAIA Division I or II schools throughout Kentucky. These views are even more enjoyable in the fall when the trees decide to show their true colors. It truly is a work of art.
The Arrival
When we first pulled into the parking lot, there was a little bit of a line to wait to park. We thought for sure that we would be able to see the ark from the road, but we could not. Once you parked and purchased your tickets, you then traveled on a bus for a short distance (0.25-0.5 miles) and it would appear very quickly after you passed the row of trees keeping it well hidden. Once the bus stopped, it allowed all passengers to exit into the gift shop where there was an attached auditorium. We left the gift shop area and made our way to the ark.
Under the Ark
When you begin your tour of the biblical ark as described in Genesis, you start at the bottom (no air conditioning but lots of fans). There are television monitors showing the history of building the ark in Williamstown. After watching the video, now it was time to see the inside of this behemoth of a boat.
Inside the Ark
It was impressive with all of the details of how animals were separated, storage was used and how they all tied together. There were lots of stories to read on walls and placards. Some actors/employees helped explain how things worked. There were some strange animals that I had never heard of before but I was bale to read about them. Long hallways and certain spots in the center gave you a sense of awe with how high and how long the ark would have been to accommodate all of the animals and the eight people to survive the deluge according to the biblical narrative.
Other Attractions
After we finished walking all floors of the ark, we decided to grab some refreshments from the gift shop and watch a concert performance of gospel quartet singing. It was air conditioned and the music was fabulous. The other attractions are a zoo, petting zoo and a zip line. They offer camel rides.
Finally
After we finished our time in Williamstown, we decided to stay in Lexington for the night. It allowed us a chance to see the University of Kentucky and some of it’s historical sites, like Rupp Arena. I believe I’d like to go watch a game in there some day. I leave that for another day.
Be blessed and safe travels!!!
Editor’s Note: That Park Place takes no position as to the accuracy of the ark in comparison to the description provided in Genesis, nor does That Park Place take any official position on the literal historicity of Genesis in part or in whole (versus metaphoric or other ancient genre styles).
