Ark Encounter & Creation Museum

Departure Info:

Yankee Trails, Rensselaer - 7:00am

Monday, April 27:

We will begin our adventure at the Drury Inn & Suites Cleveland Beachwood (216-292-9980) featuring an indoor pool and whirlpool and each room has a microwave, refrigerator, iron/ironing board and hair dryer. Enjoy dinner (included) at the Drury’s Kickback featuring items such as BBQ Sliders, Mac & Cheese, Hot Dogs, chicken noodle soup, salad, coleslaw and more (menu subject to change).

Tuesday, April 28:

A full hot breakfast is included at the hotel this morning before we visit the famous home used in the Christmas classic, A Christmas Story, now restored to its movie splendor. Directly across the street from the House is the Museum, which features original props, costumes and memorabilia from the film, as well as hundreds of rare behind-the-scenes photos. Among the props and costumes are the toys from the Higbee’s window, Randy’s snowsuit, the chalkboard from Miss Shields’ classroom and the family car. After reliving the movie at Ralphie’s house don’t forget to visit the museum gift shop for your own Major Award Leg Lamp and other great movie memorabilia. Then we will continue on to our hotel for the next three nights, the Drury Inn & Suites Cincinnati Florence (859-488-9101) in Florence, Kentucky featuring an indoor pool and whirlpool and each room has a microwave, refrigerator, iron/ironing board and hair dryer. A lunch stop will be made enroute. A Drury Kickback dinner is included this evening.

Wednesday, April 29:

A full hot breakfast is included at the hotel this morning before we head to the Ark Encounter for the day! This amazing attraction features a full-size Noah’s Ark, built according to the dimensions given in the Bible. Spanning 510 feet long, 85 feet wide, and 51 feet high, this modern engineering marvel amazes visitors young and old. As you enter Noah’s world aboard the massive Ark, you’ll tour three decks filled with scores of world-class exhibit bays. These stunning exhibits allow you to experience what Noah’s life may have been like. You’ll learn how Noah might have cared for all the animals and how the Ark was big enough to fit them all on board. Choose from five different eateries from deli sandwiches to a full buffet for lunch on your own. From dynamic speaker presentations, to concerts, hands-on activities, and more, the Ark Encounter is packed with experiences to make your visit fun, educational, and memorable. Some of these activities are an additional cost, but many are absolutely free with your Ark admission. We will return to the hotel this evening where dinner is included with the Drury Kickback.

Thursday, April 30:

After our full Drury breakfast we will travel to the Cincinnati Zoo & Botanical Gardens. Celebrating its 150th anniversary year in 2025, the Zoo features over 400 animal species and 3,000 plant species. Visitors can participate in giraffe feedings, visit famous residents like Fiona the hippo and check out new areas of Elephant Trek, New World Primate in Jungle Trails, Bear Ridge, and Sea Otter Coast. There are four eateries and three food trucks located throughout the property for lunch on your own. Next we will visit the Creation Museum where the history of the Bible vividly comes to life. On your walk through biblical history, you’ll encounter a realistic Garden of Eden, animatronic Noah, Flood dioramas, stunning video displays, and much more. Prepare to believe! We will return to hotel this afternoon and the remainder of your evening is on your own. Enjoy the Drury Kickback for dinner (included) at the hotel.

Friday, May 1:

A full hot breakfast is included at the hotel this morning. We will depart this morning to return to the Drury Inn & Suites Cleveland Beachwood (216-292-9980). A lunch stop will be made enroute. Before checking in, we will visit the Museum of Illusions. Discover a brilliant collection of perspective-changing rooms, enthralling installations, and spellbinding images. These exhibits will teach you that nothing is ever quite as it seems. Get ready to be mesmerized! Enjoy dinner (included) at the Drury Kickback at the hotel.

Saturday, May 2:

A full hot breakfast is included at the hotel this morning. We will begin our journey home with once in a lifetime memories. On the way home we’ll enjoy a lunch stop at NY Kitchen in Canandaigua, NY. Delight in a 3-course lunch with chef demonstrations. NY Kitchen is centered on exploring New York’s remarkable agriculture, craft beverage, and culinary arts through education. Everyone will enjoy a mixed green salad with chef-demonstrated Riesling dressing. Your entree choices are 1)Grilled Chicken Breast w/seasonal sauce & wild rice, 2)Grilled Salmon w/seasonal sauce & wild rice or 3)Vegetarian Pasta, each accompanied with NYS vegetables. We’ll conclude the meal with a chef-demonstrated Chocolate Mousse. We will depart at 3pm with an approximate arrival in the Capital District at 9pm. One stop each way.