The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, offers a unique opportunity for visitors to search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source. While there is no direct bus service to the park, you can use a ride-share service to reach this one-of-a-kind destination.
Getting to the Crater of Diamonds State Park
The park is open every day from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm, except for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day. The cheapest way to get to the park from Little Rock Airport (LIT) is by bus, which costs $24 and takes 2¼ hours. The quickest way to get there is by car, which takes 1h 50m and costs $11 – $17. From Branson, the fastest way to get to the park is by car, which takes 5h 55m and costs $50 – $75.
Admission Fees and Amenities
Admission fees for the park are:
- Adults (13 and older): $15.00
- Children (ages 6-12): $7.00
- Children under 6: Free
There is also a $10.00 fee for each additional group person beyond the initial group of 20 people.
The park offers a variety of amenities, including:
- Walking trails
- Picnic sites
- 47 Class AAA campsites
- 5 walk-in tent sites
- A gift shop
- Diamond Springs Water Park (seasonal)
Searching for Diamonds
Visitors can bring their own mining equipment to search for diamonds, but no battery-operated or motor-driven mining tools are allowed. The park also offers rental tools for diamond searching, with a refundable deposit charged per item. Ladders, battery-operated, and motor-driven mining equipment are not allowed at the park.
The Crater of Diamonds State Park is home to more than 35,000 diamonds found by park visitors since 1972, including notable diamonds such as the 40.23-carat Uncle Sam, the largest diamond ever unearthed in the U.S.
Unique Features of the Crater of Diamonds State Park Shuttle
The Crater of Diamonds State Park is a unique destination for several reasons:
- Original Volcanic Source: The park is the only diamond-bearing site in the world where the public can search for diamonds in their original volcanic source.
- Diverse Gemstone Finds: In addition to diamonds, visitors have found a variety of other gemstones at the park, including amethyst, garnet, jasper, and quartz.
- Hands-On Experience: Visitors can actively search for and potentially find their own diamonds, making the experience more engaging and rewarding.
- Historical Significance: The park has a rich history, with the first diamond discovered in 1906 and the park becoming a state park in 1972.
- Scenic Surroundings: The park is situated in a beautiful natural setting, with walking trails, picnic areas, and a water park, providing a well-rounded experience for visitors.
Conclusion
The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, offers a unique and exciting opportunity for visitors to search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source. While there is no direct bus service to the park, you can easily reach it using a ride-share service. With its diverse amenities, historical significance, and the thrill of potentially finding your own diamond, the Crater of Diamonds State Park is a must-visit destination for any state park touring enthusiast.
References:
– Upgraded Points – Crater of Diamonds State Park Travel Guide
– Arkansas State Parks – Crater of Diamonds State Park
– Rome2rio – Little Rock Airport (LIT) to Crater of Diamonds State Park
– TripAdvisor – Crater of Diamonds State Park Reviews
– Rome2rio – Branson to Crater of Diamonds State Park