In 2019, the Ark Encounter opened in Williamstown, Kentucky. My name is Julie. The inside of the ark is a museum with ramps that take visitors up to the various decks. Last week, the Ark Encounter, which features a 510-foot-long Ark as its centerpiece, was named Kentuckys most popular attraction by Attractions Magazine, based on number of Google reviews. I get motion sick easily, so I avoided this ride. My family, however, all went on it. You can take it or leave it. Well, according to The Hollywood Reporter, the museum has been losing money since opening its doors in 2007. What covid restrictions are in place right now? In late 2018, AiG filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after losing a lawsuit brought by an investor who said he was misled about the profitability of the park. 98 acres of Grant County land would be sold to Ark Encounter for $1 (yes, one. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Its actually doing quite well so far. Now, those freedoms are under threat. With multiple millions of believers subscribing to this theory, were guaranteed to see an influx of documentaries and books released on the subject in the upcoming years. Another challenge since opening in 2016 has been countering myths about the Ark Encounter, like the rumor that state money was used to build and open the Ark Encounter. In both cases, you arrive, and the attraction is out of sight until it appears and just blows the onlookers away. How is the ark encounter doing financially 2021, It's actually doing quite well so far. YetHams treatment of Williamstown is a reminder that these sorts of cult-like organizations have impacts that go much farther than the foolish ideas they promote. Keep in mind this experience is not included with the cost of entry. If the ark had to be built with the technology of the time, ie no trucks, lumber mills, concrete deliveries power saws cranes etc.. Despite the pandemic, the Ark managed last year to open a $3 million high-tech Virtual Reality experience, Truth Traveler, funded by a supporter. Click Registration to join us and share your expertise with our readers.). This is a brand new attraction at the Ark Encounter. IS IT FUN ENOUGH TO CONVERT YOU TO A CREATIONIST. Since the opening of the Ark Encounter, many challenges have been overcome. They had plenty to see and we engaged with them while we went through the exhibits. In addition to the Tower of Babel attraction, Ark Encounter expansion plans include a massive indoor scale model of what Jerusalem may have looked like at the time of Christ (open likely in 2023), and a themed carousel to be enjoyed by families and children. Smaller food vendors are closed during the slow season. Large parties like mine had no trouble finding a table. Sign up for update about Americans United. Its large. Four of my five children were free. They finally reopened on June 7, 2020, but until now, very few people had any desire to visit, presumably due to COVID. Seeing something from biblical history brought to life like that was overwhelming. Hi, I'm Happy Sharer and I love sharing interesting and useful knowledge with others. But how is the Ark Encounter doing financially in 2021? My kids would be crushed if I took away a week-long trip through nostalgia and amusement and replaced it with a day trip. Ken Ham has been pitting the theme park giant, Disney World, against his Ark Encounter. The gift shop and, consequently, Uncle Leroys fudge was always busy. Since its opening, the Ark Encounter has become one of the most popular tourist attractions in the region, drawing in hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. So, what is it like? As in all things with the Ark Encounter, I must encourage you to manage your expectations. The Ark Encounter is a for-profit Christian ministry that opened in July 2016. Both were funded by private money donations from supporters of Answers in Genesis and their ministry conferences around the country. Answers in Genesis is an apologetics ministry, dedicated to helping Christians defend their faith and proclaim the good news of Jesus Christ. I should be transparent here, though. Far from actively supporting the community that opened its coffers to his organization, Ham has repeatedly acted to enrich the park at the towns expense. Visit the Ark Encounter site and you can find events scheduled for men, women, mothers and daughters, pastors, homeschoolers, Christmas, musical acts, etc. My opinion, for whatever its worth, is to head to the Creation Museum if youre limited on time or funds, but check out the Ark Encounter if you can. 1. Northern Kentucky has experienced a significant financial impact from our Ark guests.. According to the latest financial reports from Answers in Genesis, the park generated approximately $25 million in revenue during the first half of 2021. All rights reserved. Ham gets mad when Americans United points this out, but its true. ", Ham: Restaurants, hotels needed for Ark crowds, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. The bonds are private activity bonds and are not a debt of the issuer (Williamstown) but only the borrower (the Ark Encounter). Join us. This is more of a question are small dogs allowed (even in an enclosed stroller)? The Creation Museums ark is a pretty impressive sight. It features exhibits that present a literal interpretation of the Bibles creation story and its flood narrative. If possible, every Christian should go and see it in person. Required fields are marked *. Most reviews I read gave me no real idea of what I would experience. On many Saturdays, the Ark Encounter, which now features a rainbow arch entrance (based on Genesis 9:13), has been welcoming over 7,000 guests a day. The promised economic benefits have not materialized. Terms of Service apply. Today, the Arks biggest challenge is hiring the hundreds of seasonal staff needed for the busy summer season that is already here. Bimal Patel, President of Rolling Hills Hospitality which represents ten properties in the region, expresses his appreciation for the visitors the attractions have brought to the area: Thank you for being great partners and driving immense amounts of tourism to Northern Kentucky, he said. Rob Boston. Surprisingly, the busses were efficient and frequent. Where will I get it, and will it be good? Apr 12, 2022 That $1 million was nearly half of what was generated in 2008 ($2 million) but still well below expected revenues for 2013 ($4 million). But despite these problems, Ark Encounter is still going strong even. (859) 356-6457. Answers in Genesis is a multi-faceted apologetics (i.e., Bible-affirming) ministry based in Northern Kentucky. My suggestion is to bring snacks and a light lunch in a backpack. Canine Companion Boarding & Training Center. The Ark has been a massive net gain for Kentucky and Grant County, illustrating the wisdom of state legislators who created the sales tax rebate incentive. In conclusion, the Ark Encounter has seen a slight increase in revenue in 2021, with ticket sales accounting for the majority of its income. They are knowledgeable, friendly, and more than willing to answer questions and engage with the visitors. Furthermore, the Ark, Creation Museum, and the Answers in Genesis organization that owns the two attractions employ about 700 full-time (salaried and hourly) staff, and up to 600 seasonal staff at various times. This project is still several years out and will require much planning, design work, budgeting, fundraising, Kentucky tourism and permit approvals, etc., long before we formally announce we are moving ahead and can break ground. 2023 Americans United for the Separation of Church and State. Florence hotels ran close to 77% occupancy in May; the national average was 59.3% as reference.. Projects planned at the Ark Encounter have now become much more expensive to build. However, this year (and last) the tickets had a great deal for families with young children. The stunning exhibit features artifacts, models, original artwork, and replicas of what life was like in Israel in the time of Jesus. It is located in Williamstown, Kentucky, about 30 miles south of Cincinnati, Ohio. The ark gets busy and stays busy most of the day. Your email address will not be published. You can also sign up for our free print newsletter (US only). Your newsletter signup did not work out. So, bring lots of money or blindfolds for the children. Ham justified the raid on the public purse by asserting that Ark Encounter would be a great boon to the nearby town of Williamstown, whose leaders agreed to float $62 million in junk bonds to get the project going. According to a study conducted by the University of Kentucky, the park has generated over $500 million in economic activity and created over 2,000 jobs in the region. Ham justified the raid on the public purse by asserting that Ark Encounter would be a great boon to the nearby town of Williamstown, whose leaders agreed to float $62 million in junk bonds to get the project going. But a very strong 2021 is seeing the Ark not only returning to its 2019 position but is witnessing record crowds on many days. The stunning exhibit features artifacts, models, original artwork and replicas of what life was like in Israel in the time of Jesus. I think youll all enjoy it. No content on this site may be reused in any fashion without written permission. Now, take a look at the options available for meals and snacks. And, oh, was it hot! The Ark Encounter is a theme park located in Williamstown, Kentucky. The only way to leave the parking lot and enter the attraction is by bus. I would not hesitate to visit again, but I would rather pair my visit with an event or program. This is an increase of about 5% from 2020, when the park generated $23.7 million in revenue. This day, July 7, 2021, marks five years from July 7, 2016the momentous day when we opened the Ark Encounter to the public. With much more still to come on the 800-acre Ark site, attendance and economic impact will continue to grow. To sum up: Taxpayers in Kentucky were forced to prop up an attraction that promotes fundamentalist Christianity and pseudoscience. But I just dont think thats particularly helpful. ", More: Ham: Restaurants, hotels needed for Ark crowds. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Performance". In fact, he insists his attraction is a better value and vacation, overall. The meal was not memorable aside from feeling disappointed and hungry because I didnt find enough food I wanted to eat. My kids ran out of the theater with huge smiles and telling me everything they saw. In February 2019, AiG announced that it would be closing the park permanently due to poor attendance and revenues. That isnt out of the ordinary for buffet pricing, but it felt excessive given the lack of food options and mediocre quality. The Ark Encounter includes a 510-foot wooden replica of Noahs Ark, which was built using the dimensions given in the Bible. (Note: Is this article not meeting your expectations? I felt like we were over a barrel in the food department. But dont worry. Most workers at the Ark were also temporarily laid off. In addition, seating has been increased at Emzaras Restaurant, in the shadow of the Arkon a busy day it can accommodate up to 1,700 diners at one time, making the themed restaurant one of the largest in all of N. America. In the first quarter of 2021, the park reported a profit margin of 10%, down from 12% in 2020. A new exhibit opens at the Creation Museum this week, Borderland: Israel at the Time of Jesus. We use cookies on our website to give you the most relevant experience by remembering your preferences and repeat visits. We believe Ham and his Answers in Genesis (AiG) ministry should have relied on voluntary contributions from his co-religionists. The wholehearted embrace of "alternative facts"and the rejection of plain evidence are making our society more and more polarized. Save your money for souvenirs or special treatslike coffee. However, in the second quarter of 2021, the profit margin increased to 13%. These cookies help provide information on metrics the number of visitors, bounce rate, traffic source, etc. The cookie is set by GDPR cookie consent to record the user consent for the cookies in the category "Functional". During our visit in May, this never seemed too busy. Lastly, the lower level of the massive Answers Center (the top level seats 2,500 people) is finished, including a fully equipped science laboratory in this multi-purpose center that is already in use for daily programs for Ark guests and select conferences. (MORE: Modern-Day Noah: Dutch Man Builds Ark of Biblical Proportions). The infamous Ark Encounter in Kentucky, the $100 million boondoggle meant to prove that the bible is literally true, has taken in more than $1 million in taxpayer dollars earmarked to stimulate the COVID-impacted economy. Theres a link in the story. I believe this summer will be our best season ever, particularly with our 40 days and nights of gospel music, August 2September 10., On recent Saturdays, the Ark has drawn over 7,000 daily guests. As a result of excellent 2021 attendance, area hotels, restaurants, and other tourism-related businesses are booming. It cost around $27 million to build, with some funding coming from public donations and some coming from private donors who wanted to remain anonymous. Washington, DC 20005. No. Try downloading another browser like Chrome or Firefox. Nonetheless, my family liked it a lot. Town officials clearly believed the attraction would benefit the area economically. The 12 Most Helpful Tips for Visiting the Ark Encounter 1. The museum includes exhibits about dinosaurs, including one called Dinosaurs: What Really Happened? where visitors can watch videos about how dinosaurs lived alongside humans back when our planet was young then see them die off when the flood came (according to their interpretation). Ticket sales, which are the primary source of income for the park, have decreased slightly compared to 2020, while merchandise sales and other services have increased.