Williamstown City, Kentucky, has always been known for its genuine southern hospitality.
It is a place where you can listen to great bluegrass music and go fishing in any one of its three natural lakes.
Being the seat of Grant County, it is home to the Ark Encounter Park, where a massive replica of Noah’s Ark was built to the exact specifics as laid out in the Bible.
Welcome to the top 10 things that you can do when visiting Williamstown, Kentucky:
1. The Ark Encounter
Possibly the most extensive specialty museum structure in the world, the Ark Encounter features a replica of Noah’s Ark.
It was built to the exact dimensions as specified in the Holy Bible of the Christian faith. It measures 510 feet long x 85 feet wide x 51 feet tall.
And probably one of the biggest boat structures sitting on dry land, the Ark itself consists of three decks available for tourists and pilgrims alike to view.
And it sits on an even larger Ark Encounter compound which includes a 2,500-seat multipurpose auditorium, a large animal zoo complex, a small lake, the monument walk, a market, and a 4,000 slot parking space.
Remarkably, the Ark itself is entirely made out of wood and is structurally sound to boot. You would be surprised at how pleasant your visit might turn out to be.
One visitor recently commented that it was different on the Ark since visitors are allowed to bring along snacks and water when touring the 3-deck expanse of the boat.
With a total of 32 bays at 18 feet high each, you may enter the Ark from the lowest level using the stairs or elevators located on the starboard side of the ship.
Looking up while using the stairwells will give you the perspective of how immense this project is. It will leave you in awe going in and out.
2. Ararat Ridge Zoo & Petting Area (Ark Encounter)
The stars of this zoo include exotic animals like Lemurs from Madagascar, Zebras, and Zonkeys – a hybrid of zebra and donkey.
You will know them by their blended coat of zebra stripes and the brown background color of a donkey’s hide.
Also, you will get to see the world’s biggest flightless bird, otherwise known as an Ostrich. It can run as fast as 45mph with its unbelievably wide strides.
Camel rides with real camels are also available if that is your thing. And you can join the afternoon crowd to pet the zoo’s friendly goats.
Who would not enjoy their time at the Zoo? This type of attraction truly appeals to people of all ages.
And don’t forget to see other exotic birds and animals like the African Crane and the kangaroos. It almost seems like they, too, are waiting to get inside the ark.
3. Screaming Eagle Aerial Adventures (Ark Encounter)
Inside the Ark Encounter Complex is one other exciting activity that you and your family can do to take on the challenge of an outdoor adventure.
Try the aerial course of the Screaming Eagle for you and your family.
You can learn how to negotiate an aerial path of suspended logs and ropes and experience overcoming your fears in an exciting way.
This and all within the safety of harnesses, of course.
Enjoy the zip line at various levels and feel that rush of flying through the air as you speed down the rope on the lower portion of the ride.
This aerial adventure as a whole aims to teach you and your kids to negotiate challenging obstacle courses while having fun in the process. A truly intense educational activity about concentration and teamwork.
4. William Arnold Log House
Owned by a lieutenant during the time of the Revolution, this 2-story log cabin made of basic brick and wood is in itself a historical testament to the rustic past of Williamstown.
Everything inside it is significantly local and antique.
Being filled with elegant furniture and old kitchenware, this place exudes great stories of old that you wouldn’t find anywhere else nowadays.
It is open for visits at certain hours during the daytime up until early evening. There is no admission fee, but you can give donations if you’d like.
Whenever you are in Williamstown, make sure that your trip is completed by making an educational stop at the Log House.
5. Frank Webb Memorial Park
Named after a marathon runner who suddenly passed away in 2006, this regular-type park is ideal for most families.
It provides an excellent venue for picnics and, for some, a round of tennis.
The park features a regular-sized playground, picnic areas, and restrooms.
Cozy and peaceful, Frank Webb Park is a beautiful place to take quiet walks and have a calm, filling lunch that you can take along with you when entering the park.
You don’t have to worry about parking as there are a lot of spaces available.
And If you like communing with nature, whether with your significant other or your whole family, Frank Webb Park is the place you would want to go to.
There is lots of open space for your kids to play while you relax in the shade of its thick, green, and mature trees.
6. Stage Right Theater Company
About 8 minutes away from Ark Encounter is where they serve good food and perform amazing plays.
Prepare yourself and your family for an entertaining night as you sit down to a delicious dinner while watching comedy performances such as “39 Steps”.
You can expect to be seated comfortably on any of the big tables and chairs and be treated very well by the staff.
Or, you might want to go for the scheduled Arts Education Shows for the kids, such as The Wizard of Oz, a dinner show. Enjoy great talent and good food. This company is a must-watch for tourists and locals alike.
7. Lake Williamstown
If you are a super nature lover looking to have a relaxing stroll along the water’s edge, or maybe, you would like to go bass fishing, Lake Williamstown Marina is just the perfect place to hang out.
Located at 290 Boat Dock Road, the Marina is owned by the city but is operated by a private enterprise.
You get free access to the lake as it is allowed for locals and tourists alike.
Go boating and fishing, and enjoy its quiet surroundings. Or you can sit around by the side of the lake while looking out at the water.
Catch up with your me time to reflect and relax on a warm afternoon.
8. Williamstown Family Fun Park
Located about one mile away from Ark Encounter, this family park could be everything you are looking for in family fun and relaxation activity.
Its outdoor facilities include 18 hole mini-golf course, a zipline, Treetop Encounters, and Chutts N Ladders Adventures for kids.
Go zip, putt, and play! So the slogan says. It’s a wholesome eco-adventure that your kids won’t forget.
For example, the children’s Chutts N Ladders course is designed for 3 to 6-year-olds, which features rattling logs, swinging bridges, and linked barrels.
Don’t worry. There will be a brief on safety measures available everywhere.
You may also want to visit Kentuck Splash Water Part located in Williamsburg Ky, to take time and cool off with your kids and have water fun.
9. JB Miller Park Trail and Lake
Looking for a place to hike and follow a trail?
Try J.B. Miller for a full-on nature trip. You can even go fishing on the JB Miller Lake, which is about 10 acres in size.
The site is a bit unkempt, and through the years, has accumulated some overgrowth.
Some people think that it may need some work to keep it maintained. On the other hand, we say: What is hiking without a sense of adventure of being in the wild, right?
And in addition to that, since it is not too crowded, some peace and quiet would work well for the adventurer who might need some rest after traversing the challenging trail.
10. Ark Encounter Gift Shop
Take home with you a piece of your experience from the Ark Encounter by visiting the Gift Shop.
In it, you can buy everything handmade from the Handmade section, as you can also choose from religious resources that are up for sale.
You may find a book that’s dedicated to explaining how it could have been like inside Noah’s Ark.
Coming from the perspective of religious scholars. These are resources that might do well in enhancing your faith.
Check out the various kiddie items including children’s books with biblical perspectives, and other great stuff like toy animals depicted in the Great Flood.
You may also purchase an item directly from the fair trade section, where mostly handmade items are crafted by impoverished people worldwide.
Every item you buy from this section will help someone from across the globe and is of excellent quality to boot.
Their small trinkets contain little tags with notes that will gently remind you how you have helped someone else by making the purchase.
Enjoy sweet treats from the gift shop along with coffee or hot Chocolate from Kezia’s Coffee.
You may also want to visit the Creation Museum at Petersburg, Kentucky, and experience the creation story in 3D.
Shopping in Downtown Williamstown Kentucky
i. Ezy Stop-Williamstown
Need to do a quick stopover? Drop by Ezy Stop to have your car washed and have a meal or snack while waiting.
You may also buy some essentials from their convenience store and withdraw some funds from the ATM.
ii. Dollar General
One of America’s famous chain of neighborhood stores, they deliver affordable and hassle-free shopping.
They have everything from snacks, food, health and beauty items, clothing, household supplies, and more.
This store carries most of America’s trusted brands.
iii. Ruler Foods
This is an all-around grocery store that serves fresh produce and other home products.
Experience easy grocery shopping with their flagship brand Kroger products and other USDA-approved choice meats.
Their slogan: Simple, smart, fresh.
Best Places to Eat in Williamstown Kentucky
i. Emzara’s Kitchen
Located inside the compound of Ark Encounter, Emzara’s offers an array of sumptuous food in a buffet format.
They serve all-time favorites such as fried chicken, ham, baked fish, and many other delicious main courses, complete with desserts like cobbler, cake pudding, and many more.
ii. Edwardo’s Pizza and Subs
A family-owned restaurant for more than 15 years, Edwardo prides itself on dough and sauce that are made fresh daily.
They specialize in great pizza and subs with a medley of lettuce and other delicious pasta dishes-comfort food at its best.
iii. Belle’s Smokin’ BBQ
If you have cravings for an authentic BBQ fix on the weekend, make a beeline for Belle’s Smokin’ BBQ.
Enjoy original Northern Kentucky style grilled meats, as this restaurant is owned by locals aiming to fill both visitors and regulars alike.
They make mouthwatering Pork and Brisket, Smoked Chicken partnered with the best side dishes of homemade coleslaw, baked beans, and potato salad.
Conclusion
This guide should help you, the adventurer, to make plans on when and where to go next after your time in Ark.
It is made to create a balance of happy ups and downs between excitement and relaxation to keep your trip interesting and lively.
Go ahead and seize the day! Travel well!
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