The Ark Encounter is an amazing attraction that is a must see! The ark is HUGE and wonderful but the Ark Encounter is much more than a giant Ark.
Disclaimer : We partnered with the Ark Encounter and they comped a few of our tickets. However all opinions are our own.
In this article we share 7 Tips for visiting the Ark Encounter to help you plan for your own experience. These tips come from experience from our visit and it includes things we wish we knew before we visited the Ark Encounter .
7 Tips you need to know before visiting the Ark Encounter
1. Pick the Right day to go.
The Ark Encounter like many attractions is more busy during the weekends. If possible visit during the weekdays. But if you cannot weekends are fine.
We visited on Memorial Day weekend 2023 and although it was busy in some areas the crowds were able to spread out to the many attractions.
2. Start out with the less busy exhibits.
Most people go straight to the Ark First and it can be extremely packed at times. We started at the ark and it was pretty busy. If the line to the ark is filled with people we recommend starting off with the exterior non Ark exhibits.
The zoo would be a great place to start. Animals are typically more active in the mornings and it should be less busy in that area. You can spend quite some time exploring the exterior exhibits and attractions before entering the Ark.
3. Buy Combo tickets.
The Creation Museum is just as amazing as the Ark Encounter and it is not a bad drive at all. You really don’t want to miss out on the Creation Museum. Find out all about the Creation Museum here. (Article Coming Soon)
4. Plan for a whole day and arrive early.
The Ark Encounter has a lot to see. We recommend arriving early and planning for a whole day. The gate opens 30 minutes before the park so wake up and start out your day at the Ark Encounter.
5. Eat an Early lunch at Emzara’s Kitchen Restaurant Buffet
Emzara’s Kitchen Restaurant Buffet is an amazing restaurant right next to the ark. It has plenty of seating but the buffet line can get very busy. We recommend an early lunch because it gets busier as the day goes on.
The upstairs has a large seating area and fountain drink machines so you can get your drinks up there without a line.
6. Budget for souvenirs
Budget for souvenirs. They have many different stores and types of merchandise.
One of the best purchases you can make is the Signs book. The Museum is filled with informative signs and displays. You can take home a book with all of the signs to re read and study at a later date.
They also have a great selection of books, clothing, toys and fair trade merchandise as well!
7. Stay at a Hotel close to the Ark Encounter.
Staying at a hotel close to the Ark Encounter is a must. It’s nice to have a short drive to and from the Ark Encounter. We recommend staying at the Hampton Inn and Suites Ark Encounter. It is directly next to the Ark Encounter.
Find out all about the hotel here. (Article coming soon.)
Now that you know the tips for planning your visit to the Ark Encounter you might want to learn even more about the amazing attraction.
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Check out our article – Everything you need to know about the Ark Encounter – it’s more than just a big boat!
Thanks for reading please see some of our related articles below and be sure to check out our social media channels @Familytravelgo .
Everything you need to know about the Ark Encounter
Everything you need to know about the Creation Museum – Article Coming Soon
Where to stay while visiting the Ark Encounter – Article Coming Soon.