ife-size replica of the Biblical Noah's Ark opened to the public today in Kentucky, and more than 100 people showed up in protest.
According to the Ark Encounter website, the attraction is 510 feet long, 85 feet wide and 51 feet highthat's a football-field-and-a-half long and seven stories tall. Inside, visitors can peruse exhibits to learn about Noah, the builder of the ark who, according to the Bible, received a warning from God about a global flood. They can also survey cages of animal replicas, including dinosaurs and a pair of unicorns, and outside, check out a zoo with live animals and a zip line.
According to NPR, the attraction cost $100 million to build and will bring up to 2 million visitors a year, plus millions in tourism revenue.
Members of the Tri-State Freethinkers, an activist group representing people in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio who champion secularism, stood near the exit for Route 36 in Williamstown waving signs that read, "A taxpayer-funded flood of ignorance. What a disaster!" and "Instead of forcing your kids to learn your version of the truth ... teach critical thinking instead."