Since opening in July 2016, the team behind Ark Encounter—a three-story, 510-foot-long Noah’s Ark replica adorned with immersive exhibits—has skillfully navigated the changing tides of the attractions industry. The Kentucky attraction blends entertainment with education, while also serving as a lesson in project management and creative excellence. As Harrison Craig, director of exhibit project management at Answers in Genesis—the organization that owns and operates Ark Encounter—explains to Funworld, the development and success of the Ark are built on thoughtful planning, creative execution, and strategic collaboration.
From Blueprint to Reality
The Ark itself, a full-scale structure based on the biblical account of Noah’s Ark, proved to be an ambitious undertaking from the outset. Craig recalls the moment the project began to take physical form: “We had the CAD drawings, but as soon as they put the first cross-section vent up, we knew this was going to be something extraordinary. You could feel the scope of it immediately.” This was just the beginning of a complex design and construction process that would eventually lead to what Craig claims is now one of the largest timber-frame structures in the world.
The sourcing of such a large quantity of timber required a coordinated delivery pipeline. “The timbers were taken from a dead stand forest, and they were shipped to Colorado, where the beams were CNC [computer numerical control] cut from a factory, and then assembled here in pieces,” outlines Craig. Each step had to be planned to ensure structural integrity, long-term durability, and an authentic aesthetic.
As the Ark Encounter team prepared for construction to commence, they recruited Amish craftsmen to assemble the wooden structure. Known for their expertise in timber-frame construction, which uses heavy logs rather than standard-cut lumber, Amish skilled labor brought the design team’s vision to life. “They came in and brought their whole crew. We had some drawings, and the Amish team made them per their barn-building techniques,” says Craig.
Exhibit Design and Operational Efficiency
While the Ark’s physical structure is impressive, its attention to detail within the exhibits is what unifies and enhances the visitor experience. Craig shares that there are two ways to view the organization of the exhibits, with the first being a chronological timeline. “As you enter at the very bottom on the first deck, it’s the beginning of Noah’s journey,” he says. The second deck displays the care and management of the animals while aboard the Ark, and the third represents the conclusion of the animals’ journey.
Alternatively, guests can choose to spend more time on a specific deck based on their preference for educational content or themed experiences. “Deck one is mostly themed exhibits with a little bit of teaching, similar to a modern museum. Deck two is about half teaching exhibits and half themed exhibits. On deck three, there’s a lot of teaching and then a little bit of themed exhibit,” explains Craig. This sliding scale of entertainment and education empowers guests to get the most out of their visit.
Craig credits the success of the exhibits to a talented in-house creative team. “About 90 to 95% were built in-house,” he explains.
“When I first came on, I was the lead technical designer. The designers would come up with what they wanted something to look like, and I would turn it into blueprint drawings, and then we would send it off to the shop floor for the fabrication team to build.” The creative and fabrication studio, staffed with creatives ranging from sculptors to engineers, allows the team to see many of their projects through without support from external contractors.
The exhibits are not only visually engaging but also demonstrate operational efficiency. Allen Greene, senior design director of Ark Encounter and the Creation Museum—another Answers in Genesis attraction located about 40 miles from Ark Encounter—shares that the Ark team recently set up stanchions and new signage to assist with crowd flow and guest orientation on the attraction’s busiest weekend days. “We just had our highest attendance day we’ve ever had just a few weeks ago … We’re always kind of studying the best arrangement for our guests,” he explains.
Another popular offering on-site is the Ararat Ridge Zoo, located behind the Ark and included in the admission price. The zoo team heavily considers sustainability and self-sufficiency and has integrated modern farming techniques such as hydroponics and aquaponics to support animal health. “We grow fodder for our animals through barley aquaponics, which we switch out daily,” Craig shares. “We also use aquaponics [to support plant growth], which is conducted in a barn in the back.”
Collaborative Creations
“We oversee the creation of all the exhibits here, but it’s always a team effort,” Greene explains. He emphasizes how the content team, artists, and designers collaborate closely on every detail, from dioramas to digital sculptures. “For the dioramas, for example, we used 3D scans of our own team members to create some of the figures you see today. Our artists then hand-painted these models, ensuring each one was crafted with care.”
Greene also points out that subtle “Easter eggs” are hidden throughout the attraction, making the experience even more engaging—especially for younger visitors. “On decks two and three, you’ll even notice small touches like storage areas above the exhibits. It’s all part of creating an immersive experience,” he shares.
Overcoming Challenges
Designing family-friendly exhibits that depict biblical events presents a unique set of challenges, particularly when illustrating the more serious themes of the Bible. “We have to balance portraying the sin and depravity of the world without making it too graphic for our younger visitors,” Craig says. “It’s about striking a balance—showing just enough to convey the message while keeping the experience appropriate for families.”
Another focus area for the team centers around maintaining—and increasing—visitor engagement through special events and conference programming, which was made easier by a 2,500-seat multi-purpose space that opened in 2019 named the Answers Center. “Summer is our busiest time, and events like our concert series and conferences help draw in large crowds,” shares Craig.
Technological Innovations and Expansion Aspirations
In recent years, Ark Encounter has launched a series of new and updated experiences, including a carousel featuring animals believed to be on the Ark, expansions to the Ararat Zoo, the Answers Center auditorium—and its forthcoming new welcome center, currently under construction. The attraction has also employed modern technologies—most notably, the introduction of a virtual reality (VR) experience, which guests can participate in for an additional fee. “The VR experience invites guests to put on goggles and go back to the time of the Ark’s construction in a really fun and dynamic way,” Greene says. “It incorporates haptic seats, and you can turn your head, look all around, and see parts of the flood.”
Craig hints that the success of the VR exhibit has sparked ideas for future attractions. “We’ve thought about dynamic dark rides or other interactive experiences that blend technology with physical sets. Our goal is to continue innovating, creating attractions that appeal to the next generation, and help bring the Bible to life in new, engaging ways.”
Looking ahead, Ark Encounter has plans to expand its offerings both on-site and at other locations. “We’re currently building VR experiences in Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Branson, Missouri. These will act as standalone attractions but will also encourage visitors to explore the Ark and our Creation Museum,” shares Greene.
The Ark Encounter’s continued expansion and innovation serves as a testament to the power of blending tradition with technology. Its unique ability to merge storytelling, craftsmanship, and cutting-edge experiences has allowed it to carve a distinctive place in the attractions industry. With a sharp focus on future growth, Ark Encounter looks forward to further enriching the visitor experience.
Avery Matteo is the associate editor of Funworld at IAAPA. An Orlando-based writer and editor with more than four years of experience supporting educational institutions, nonprofits, and associations, she is honored to spend her days illuminating the people and experiences that make up the attractions industry. In her free time, she enjoys traveling to new attractions across the globe. Connect with her on LinkedIn.
- This original reporting from IAAPA News first appeared in Funworld magazine. For more stories and videos covering the global attractions industry and to read a digital version of Funworld magazine, click here.
