Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is a unique destination that offers visitors the opportunity to search for diamonds in a 37.5-acre plowed field. While the park is generally accessible to visitors with disabilities, there are some limitations due to the natural terrain of the diamond search area.
Accessibility Features at Crater of Diamonds State Park
The park has several features that cater to visitors with mobility challenges:
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Wheelchair-Friendly Trails: Crater of Diamonds State Park has two wheelchair-friendly trails, with an average 4.7-star rating from 182 AllTrails reviews. These trails allow visitors to explore the park’s natural beauty without navigating the more rugged diamond search area.
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Ramp to Diamond Search Area: The park has a ramp that allows wheelchair users to access the diamond search area. However, the ramp only extends so far, and the rest of the field can be challenging for wheelchair users due to the uneven terrain.
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ADA-Accessible Facilities: The park’s parking area and other facilities, such as the visitor center and restrooms, are ADA-accessible, ensuring that visitors with disabilities can comfortably use these amenities.
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Gravel Trail from Campground: From the campground, there is a 0.2-mile-long gravel trail that leads to the visitor center and diamond search area, making it easier for visitors with mobility challenges to access the main attractions.
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Handicap-Accessible Trail: The park also has a 1.2-mile handicap-accessible trail that allows visitors to view the park’s natural attractions without navigating the diamond search area.
Admission and Hours
As of 2024, the cost of admission to Crater of Diamonds State Park is $10 for adults, $6 for children (ages 6-12), and free for children under 6. There are no additional fees for wheelchair or stroller rentals. The park is open daily from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, with the last entry at 4:00 pm.
Successful Finds by Visitors with Disabilities
In 2021, a visitor with a mobility impairment found a 3.29-carat diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park, highlighting the park’s accessibility features and the potential for all visitors to find diamonds, regardless of physical ability.
Limitations and Considerations
While Crater of Diamonds State Park is generally accessible, there are some limitations due to the natural terrain of the diamond search area. The ramp to the field only extends so far, and the rest of the field can be challenging for wheelchair users due to the uneven ground. Additionally, the park’s natural trails may not be suitable for all visitors with mobility challenges.
It’s important for visitors with disabilities to plan their visit carefully and consider their individual needs and abilities. Contacting the park in advance to inquire about specific accessibility features and accommodations can help ensure a enjoyable and successful visit.
Conclusion
Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a unique and accessible experience for visitors with disabilities, with a range of features and accommodations to support their exploration of the park. While there are some limitations due to the natural terrain, the park’s commitment to accessibility ensures that visitors of all abilities can have the opportunity to search for diamonds and enjoy the park’s natural beauty.
References:
– Tripadvisor FAQ on Crater of Diamonds State Park Accessibility
– Arkansas State Parks Article on Crater of Diamonds State Park
– AllTrails Accessibility Information for Crater of Diamonds State Park
– Tripadvisor Review Highlighting Accessibility at Crater of Diamonds State Park