Background

Crater of Diamonds: A Unique Gemstone Adventure

Discover your own treasure at Crater of Diamonds State Park, the world's only public diamond mine! A unique Arkansas adventure.

4.4

Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, offers a one-of-a-kind experience: searching for real diamonds in their original volcanic source. Keep any gems you find in the 37.5-acre plowed field, the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater. It's a thrilling and potentially rewarding adventure for all ages.

A brief summary to Crater of Diamonds State Park

Local tips

  • Arrive early to secure a good digging spot and avoid crowds, especially during peak season.
  • Wear comfortable shoes and clothing suitable for digging in dirt, and be prepared for hot weather.
  • Rent tools at the Diamond Discovery Center or bring your own for diamond searching.
  • Check the park's schedule for diamond mining demonstrations and interpretive programs to learn more about the search techniques and the park's geology.
  • Visit the Diamond Discovery Center for free identification of your finds, including rocks and minerals.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    Crater of Diamonds State Park is located at 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, AR 71958. From the town square in Murfreesboro, head southeast on AR-301 for about 2 miles to reach the park. If you're coming from Little Rock, take I-30 West to Exit 73 at Arkadelphia, then west on AR-51 for 6 miles, followed by AR-26 for 34 miles to Murfreesboro. From Texarkana, take I-30 East to Exit 30 at Hope, then I-278 North to Nashville, and finally AR-27 North to Murfreesboro. Parking is available at the park near the visitor center.

  • Public Transport

    While there's no direct public transportation to the park, Amtrak has a station in Hope, Arkansas, about 50 minutes away by car. From the Hope station, you can use a ride-sharing service or taxi to reach the park. A taxi or rideshare from Hope to the park will cost approximately $60-$80. Alternatively, you can take the Texas Eagle Train from Union Station in Little Rock to Arkadelphia before finding an Uber or Lyft for around $75 to get to the park.

Unlock the Best of Crater of Diamonds State Park

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Crater of Diamonds State Park

Crater of Diamonds State Park is a unique geological site and a popular tourist destination in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. It stands as the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public. The park spans 911 acres, featuring a 37.5-acre plowed field that is the eroded surface of a 100-million-year-old volcanic crater. This geological phenomenon brought diamonds and other gemstones to the surface, offering visitors the chance to discover and keep these treasures. In 1906, John Huddleston, a local farmer, discovered the first diamonds on the property, sparking a diamond rush. After a series of mining ventures and tourist attractions, the site became an Arkansas state park in 1972. Since then, over 35,000 diamonds have been found by park visitors. Notable finds include the 40.23-carat Uncle Sam, the largest diamond ever unearthed in the United States, the 16.37-carat Amarillo Starlight, the 15.33-carat Star of Arkansas, and the 8.52-carat Esperanza. Visitors can explore the diamond search area using various techniques, including surface searching, dry sifting, and wet sifting. Tools are available for rent at the Diamond Discovery Center, where staff also offer identification of rocks and minerals. Besides diamond hunting, the park offers walking trails, picnic sites, a water park (seasonal), and interpretive programs.

Popular Experiences near Crater of Diamonds State Park

Popular Hotels near Crater of Diamonds State Park

Select Currency