Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas is a unique destination that offers visitors the opportunity to search for real diamonds and experience the thrill of ziplining. This park is the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public, and it has been a popular attraction for geology enthusiasts and outdoor adventurers alike.
Exploring the Crater of Diamonds State Park
The park’s 37-acre search area is the eroded surface of a volcanic crater, and over 35,000 diamonds have been found by visitors since the park opened in 1972. Visitors can search for diamonds using a variety of tools, including shovels, screens, and buckets, and they can keep any diamonds they find.
In addition to diamond searching, the park offers a variety of amenities and activities, including the Diamond Springs Water Park, walking trails, picnic sites, a campground, and a gift shop.
Ziplining at Crater of Diamonds State Park
For those looking for a more adventurous experience, there are several zipline options in the area. One of the most popular is the Adventure Park & Zip Line in Hot Springs, Arkansas, which offers four ziplines and five park elements. Another option is the Crater Lake Zipline in Oregon, which offers a classic guided zipline canopy tour, as well as a kid’s zipline adventure and kayak experiences.
Cost and Hours of Operation
The cost of admission to Crater of Diamonds State Park is $15 for adults, $7 for children (ages 6-12), and free for children under 6 years old. The park’s facilities, including the visitor center, gift shop, and Diamond Discovery Center, are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., while the diamond search area is open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Diamonds Found at the Park
The park has identified over 400 diamonds since 2016, with the largest being a 7.44-carat white diamond found in 2021. The park also offers interpretive programs year-round, and staff are available to identify rocks and minerals found at the park.
Nearby Zipline Options
In addition to the zipline options at Crater of Diamonds State Park, there are several other zipline adventures in the surrounding area:
| Zipline Adventure | Location | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Adventure Park & Zip Line | Hot Springs, AR | 4 ziplines and 5 park elements |
| Crater Lake Zipline | Oregon | Classic guided zipline canopy tour, kid’s zipline, and kayak experiences |
| Ozark Zip Lines | Eureka Springs, AR | 7 ziplines and 2 suspension bridges |
| Horseshoe Canyon Ranch | Jasper, AR | Zipline tours and other outdoor activities |
In conclusion, Crater of Diamonds State Park is a unique and exciting destination for those interested in geology, mining, and outdoor recreation. With the opportunity to search for real diamonds, a variety of amenities and activities, and nearby zipline options, there is something for everyone at this one-of-a-kind park.
References:
- Arkansas State Parks – Crater of Diamonds State Park. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-park
- Success Finding Diamonds at the Crater of Diamonds State Park. (2021, November 14). Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lJwYaFrtfCw
- Arkansas State Parks – Crater of Diamonds Famous Finds. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-park/history/famous-finds
- Crater Lake Zipline. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://craterlakezipline.com
- Tripadvisor – Crater of Diamonds State Park. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g31805-d104721-Reviews-Crater_of_Diamonds_State_Park-Murfreesboro_Arkansas.html
- Adventure Park & Zip Line. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://adventureparkzipline.com
- Ozark Zip Lines. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://ozarkziplines.com
- Horseshoe Canyon Ranch. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.horseshoecanyonranch.com