Biblical museum ad campaign features dinosaurs

PETERSBURG, Ky. - A Northern Kentucky museum where dinosaurs roam the biblical Garden of Eden is unveiling a national billboard campaign featuring the popular prehistoric reptiles.

The cartoon billboards for the Creation Museum are appearing in several cities including Chicago, San Francisco and Houston and feature colorful dinosaurs drawn in a vintage comic book style.

The popular attraction in Northern Kentucky that opened in 2007 has drawn controversy and thousands of visitors with exhibits that challenge evolution and present the Old Testament's creation story.

Dinosaurs are at the center of campaign because they get the public's attention, said Ken Ham, founder of the Christian ministry Answers in Genesis.

"People love dinosaurs," Ham said. "Whenever a dinosaur exhibit comes to town, people are fascinated by that."

Ham said there are 20 different billboard styles, though some feature other prehistoric animals like mastodons. A billboard near Interstate 64 in Louisville features a flying pterodactyl and says the museum is "101 miles ahead." So far the signs have appeared in 25 states.