The Crater of Diamonds State Park Gift Shop is a must-visit destination for anyone touring the park. Located within the park’s Visitor Center, the gift shop offers a wide selection of items for sale, including souvenir caps, T-shirts, mugs, pins, patches, and spoons.
Admission Fees and Park Hours
The park’s admission fees are as follows:
| Visitor Type | Admission Fee |
|---|---|
| Adults | $15.00 |
| Children (ages 6-12) | $7.00 |
| Children under 6 years old | $0.00 |
The park facilities, including the Visitor Center/Gift Shop/Diamond Discovery Center, are open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The Diamond Search Area is open daily from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., with the same holiday closures.
Campground, Picnic Area, and Water Park
The park’s campground/picnic area is open all year, while the Diamond Springs Water Park is seasonal, operating from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., but closed on Mondays and Tuesdays. Note that the water park may switch to weekend-only operation starting mid-August due to lifeguard staffing and students returning to school.
Pet-Friendly Policies
Pets are allowed in all facilities, except for the park gift shop and Diamond Springs Water Park, as long as they remain on a leash under the owner’s control at all times.
The Crater’s Remarkable Diamond Discoveries
For those interested in the park’s history, more than 35,000 diamonds have been found by park visitors since the Crater of Diamonds became an Arkansas state park in 1972. Notable diamonds found at the Crater include:
- The 40.23-carat Uncle Sam, the largest diamond ever unearthed in the U.S.
- The 16.37-carat Amarillo Starlight
- The 15.33-carat Star of Arkansas
- The 8.52-carat Esperanza
These remarkable discoveries have made the Crater of Diamonds State Park a true gem among Arkansas’s natural wonders.
Unique Souvenirs and Keepsakes
The Crater of Diamonds State Park Gift Shop offers a wide range of unique souvenirs and keepsakes that capture the essence of this one-of-a-kind destination. From classic t-shirts and hats to specialized items like diamond-themed jewelry, mugs, and even spoons, the gift shop provides visitors with a chance to take a piece of the Crater home with them.
One of the most popular items in the gift shop is the opportunity to purchase a “Diamond Dig” kit. These kits allow visitors to sift through a small sample of the park’s soil, with the chance of finding their own diamond to take home as a truly unique souvenir.
Educational Resources and Exhibits
In addition to the gift shop, the Visitor Center also houses the Diamond Discovery Center, which offers a wealth of educational resources and exhibits about the Crater of Diamonds and the history of diamond mining in the area. Visitors can learn about the geological formation of the Crater, the different types of diamonds found there, and the techniques used by both professional and amateur prospectors to uncover these precious gems.
A Memorable Experience
The Crater of Diamonds State Park Gift Shop is more than just a place to purchase souvenirs – it’s a gateway to the rich history and natural wonder of this unique geological site. Whether you’re a seasoned diamond hunter or a first-time visitor, the gift shop and the park as a whole offer a truly unforgettable experience that will leave you with memories and keepsakes to cherish for years to come.
References:
– Crater of Diamonds State Park
– Crater of Diamonds State Park Facilities
– Crater of Diamonds State Park Information Center and Gift Shop