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The '''Ark Encounter''' is an evangelistic tourist attraction that opened on July 7, 2016 in northern [[Kentucky]]. It is predominantly a full-scale model of [[Noah's Ark]]. Influential [[Christian apologetics]] [[ministry]] [[Answers in Genesis]] teamed up with the [[Free market|private]] for-profit company [[Ark Encounter LLC]] to build the attraction. The Troyer Group from [[Indiana]] is responsible for the actual construction while Patrick Marsh, the [[Creation Museum]] design director, designed and "themed" the attractions. The announcement for its construction came in December 2010.

The '''Ark Encounter''' is an evangelistic tourist attraction that opened on July 7, 2016 in northern [[Kentucky]]. It is predominantly a full-scale model of [[Noah's Ark]]. Influential [[Christian apologetics]] [[ministry]] [[Answers in Genesis]] teamed up with the [[Free market|private]] for-profit company [[Ark Encounter LLC]] to build the attraction. The Troyer Group from [[Indiana]] is responsible for the actual construction while Patrick Marsh, the [[Creation Museum]] design director, designed and "themed" the attractions. The announcement for its construction came in December 2010.

The ark cost $100 million dollars and is 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, based off of the dimensions given in the Bible.<ref>Weed, Alexis (July 8, 2016). [http://edition.cnn.com/2016/07/07/us/noahs-ark-kentucky/ Noah's Ark Opens at Kentucky Theme Park]. ''CNN''. Retreived August 5, 2016.</ref>

The ark cost $100 million dollars and is 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, based off of the dimensions given in the Bible.<ref>Weed, Alexis (July 8, 2016). [http://edition.cnn.com/2016/07/07/us/noahs-ark-kentucky/ Noah's Ark Opens at Kentucky Theme Park]. ''CNN''. Retreived August 5, 2016.</ref> It is described as the largest timber-frame structure in America<ref>Sherter, Alain (July 7, 2016). [http://www.wkyt.com/content/news/Ark-park-teaches-Creationism-but-will-it-create-jobs-385829691.html Visitors, protesters turn out for Ark Encounter opening in Grant County]. ''WKYT''. Retrieved August 16, 2016.</ref><ref name="Colorado">[http://www.coloradotimberframe.com/ark-encounter/ Building a Life-size Noah’s Ark]. ''Colorado Timberframe''. Retrieved August 16, 2016.</ref> and the world.<ref>Ham, Ken (January 26, 2016). [https://answersingenesis.org/blogs/ken-ham/2016/01/26/more-false-accusations-against-ark-refuted/ More False Accusations Against the Ark Refuted!]. ''Answers in Genesis''. Retrieved August 16, 2016.</ref>

==History, building, and opening==

==History, building, and opening==

==Characteristics==

==Characteristics==

The attraction will be more than just a life-sized Noah's Ark; it currently includes a petting zoo and a zip line, and it is planned to include a replica of the [[Tower of Babel]], an ancient middle eastern village, a first century village, and a theater. The Ark attraction is not only an awe-inspiring and [[history|historically]] accurate center of [[Bible|Biblical]] displays, but an [[education]]al experience. The huge project will educate visitors with a unique, hands-on approach on the details of Biblical history and why it is so important to appreciate [[Noah]] and his great service to [[God]] and the [[Earth]].  

The attraction will be more than just a life-sized Noah's Ark; it currently includes a petting zoo and a zip line, and it is planned to include a replica of the [[Tower of Babel]], a pre-flood walled village, a first century village, a theater, and much more.<ref name="Colorado"/><ref>[https://arkencounter.com/about/ About Us]. ''Ark Encounter''. Retrieved August 16, 2016.</ref> The Ark attraction is not only an awe-inspiring and [[history|historically]] accurate center of [[Bible|Biblical]] displays, but an [[education]]al experience. The huge project will educate visitors with a unique, hands-on approach on the details of Biblical history and why it is so important to appreciate [[Noah]] and his great service to [[God]] and the [[Earth]].  

The project is expected to have up to 900 staff and provide many much needed jobs for the state of Kentucky. Kentucky [[governor]] [[Steve Beshear]] wisely ignored the typical [[Censorship|liberal, atheist prejudice]] against the building of an inspiring [[Christianity|Christian]] attraction and supported its construction. However, he turned against the ark in 2014. The [[family|family-oriented]] Ark is expected to enlighten as many as 1.6 million visitors a year. The Ark Encounter will serve as a vital and beneficial Christian influence on not just the state of Kentucky but the [[United States|country]] as a whole. [[Creationism|Creationists]] such as Answers in Genesis' president [[Ken Ham]] view the Ark Encounter as a very important undertaking which will provide an important educational and [[faith|spiritual]] center for Christians to get closer to their faith and for non-believers to realize and appreciate the authenticity of Christianity and its deep, historical roots.

The project is expected to have up to 900 staff and provide many much needed jobs for the state of Kentucky. Kentucky [[governor]] [[Steve Beshear]] wisely ignored the typical [[Censorship|liberal, atheist prejudice]] against the building of an inspiring [[Christianity|Christian]] attraction and supported its construction. However, he turned against the ark in 2014. The [[family|family-oriented]] Ark is expected to enlighten as many as 1.6 million visitors a year. The Ark Encounter will serve as a vital and beneficial Christian influence on not just the state of Kentucky but the [[United States|country]] as a whole. [[Creationism|Creationists]] such as Answers in Genesis' president [[Ken Ham]] view the Ark Encounter as a very important undertaking which will provide an important educational and [[faith|spiritual]] center for Christians to get closer to their faith and for non-believers to realize and appreciate the authenticity of Christianity and its deep, historical roots.