Crater of Diamonds State Park is a one-of-a-kind destination for state park touring enthusiasts, especially those with a keen interest in geology and gemstone hunting. The park, located in Arkansas, offers visitors the opportunity to search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source, even during the cooler month of November.
Cost and Timings
Visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park in November comes with the following cost and timing considerations:
| Admission Fees | Cost |
|---|---|
| Adults (13 years and older) | $15.00 |
| Children (ages 6-12) | $7.00 |
| Children under 6 years old | Free |
The park facilities, including the Visitor Center, Gift Shop, Diamond Discovery Center, and Diamond Search Area, are open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Eve, and Christmas Day. The Diamond Search Area is open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during these months.
Unique Features and Specifications
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the world’s only diamond-producing site where the public can search for diamonds in their original volcanic source. The park’s 37-acre diamond search area is the eroded surface of a volcanic crater, where visitors can find a variety of rocks, minerals, and gemstones, including diamonds, amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, and quartz.
The park provides complimentary identification of rocks and minerals found at the park, as well as diamond mining demonstrations and other interpretive programs. Park staff can help visitors learn about the geology of the area and the techniques used to search for diamonds. Visitors are allowed to bring their own mining equipment, but battery-operated or motor-driven mining tools are not allowed. Tools can also be rented from the park.
Weather and Ground Conditions in November
November is a cooler month to visit the park, with temperatures averaging in the mid-50s. There may be occasional below-freezing temperatures and around four inches of rain during this month. However, the ground never really freezes in Arkansas, allowing for year-round digging and searching. It is recommended to bring boots and rain gear during the rainy months, as mud can be an issue.
Additional Attractions and Recommendations
In addition to the diamond search area, the park offers walking trails, picnic sites, a campground, and a gift shop. The Diamond Springs Water Park is a seasonal attraction that is open Memorial Day through Labor Day, but it is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays, and may be open only on weekends starting mid-August due to lifeguard staffing and students returning to school.
Visitors are also encouraged to explore other attractions in the area, such as Old Washington State Historic Park, which features a living history museum town with a blacksmith shop where Bowie knives were first made. The town of Hot Springs, with its Hot Springs National Park, thriving art community, and historic bathhouses, is also a popular destination.
References
- Arkansas State Parks – Crater of Diamonds State Park. Retrieved from https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-park
- Arkansas State Parks – Winter Forecast for the Crater of Diamonds. Retrieved from https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/articles/winter-forecast-crater-diamonds
- TripAdvisor – Is this open year round? Planning to go in… – Crater of Diamonds. Retrieved from https://www.tripadvisor.com/FAQ_Answers-g31805-d104721-t1389291-Is_this_open_year_round_Planning_to_go_in.html
- Fodor’s Travel Talk Forums – Crater of Diamonds State Park in Winter?. Retrieved from https://www.fodors.com/community/united-states/crater-of-diamonds-state-park-in-winter-751098/