Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is a one-of-a-kind destination that offers families a chance to search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source. This 37-acre field, the eroded surface of a volcanic crater, is a treasure trove of rocks, minerals, and gemstones, including the elusive diamond.
Admission and Hours
Visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park with kids is an affordable and exciting adventure. The park is open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the diamond search area open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Admission for adults is $15.00, while children (ages 6-12) pay $7.00, and children under 6 years old enter for free. The park facilities, including the visitor center, gift shop, and Diamond Discovery Center, are also open daily from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Diamond Search Area and Techniques
The main attraction at Crater of Diamonds State Park is the opportunity to search for diamonds. Visitors are welcome to bring their own mining equipment, as long as it’s not battery-operated or motor-driven. The park also offers tool rentals for those who don’t have their own. To make the most of your diamond search, it’s essential to familiarize yourself with different searching techniques, such as surface searching, wet sifting, and dry sifting. Park staff provides complimentary identification of rocks and minerals found at the park, as well as diamond mining demonstrations and other interpretive programs.
Rocks and Minerals
In addition to diamonds, the park is home to a variety of other rocks and minerals, including amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, and quartz. More than 35,000 diamonds have been found by park visitors since the Crater of Diamonds became an Arkansas state park in 1972. Some 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; and the 8.52-carat Esperanza.
Other Amenities
Crater of Diamonds State Park offers more than just diamond hunting. The park features walking trails, picnic sites, a campground with 47 Class AAA campsites (50 Amp/30 Amp/Water/Sewer), and 5 walk-in tent sites. Families can also enjoy the Diamond Springs Water Park, which is open seasonally from Memorial Day to Labor Day, except for Mondays and Tuesdays.
Real-life Incident
In 2015, a 14-year-old boy from Tennessee discovered a 3.89-carat white diamond, which he named “Lucky Diamond,” during a family visit to the park. This story highlights the excitement and potential for finding valuable diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park, making it a truly unique and memorable experience for families.
Crater of Diamonds State Park is a must-visit destination for families and state park touring enthusiasts. With its one-of-a-kind diamond search area, diverse array of rocks and minerals, and additional amenities, this park offers a truly unique and unforgettable adventure for visitors of all ages.