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Diamond Discovery Center: Gateway to Gemstone Adventures

Discover the thrill of unearthing your own diamond at this unique Arkansas state park; a sparkling adventure awaits!

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The Diamond Discovery Center serves as the entry point to Crater of Diamonds State Park, the only place in the world where the public can search for real diamonds in their original volcanic source. Here, visitors learn about the park's unique geology, diamond identification, and mining techniques before venturing into the 37-acre search field.

A brief summary to Diamond Discovery Center

Local tips

  • Arrive early, especially during peak season, to secure a good digging spot and avoid crowds.
  • Check the weather forecast and dress accordingly; the search area offers little shade, and conditions can be muddy.
  • Bring or rent the right tools: a shovel, bucket, and sifting screens are essential for effective diamond hunting.
  • Take advantage of the free rock and mineral identification service at the Diamond Discovery Center to identify your finds.
  • Stay hydrated and bring snacks or a picnic lunch, as you'll likely spend several hours searching for diamonds.
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Getting There

  • Driving

    The Diamond Discovery Center is located within Crater of Diamonds State Park, off Arkansas Highway 301 in Murfreesboro. From downtown Murfreesboro, follow Highway 301 for approximately 2 miles to reach the park entrance. Once inside the park, follow the signs to the visitor center and parking area. The Diamond Discovery Center is adjacent to the parking lot. Parking is free. During peak season and on April 8th for the eclipse, the parking lot will be packed.

  • Walking

    From the Crater of Diamonds State Park visitor center, the Diamond Discovery Center is a short, accessible walk. Follow the sidewalk from the visitor center, and you'll find the Diamond Discovery Center on the way to the diamond search area. The path is smooth and step-free, ensuring easy access for all visitors.

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Discover more about Diamond Discovery Center

Located within Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, the Diamond Discovery Center is more than just a visitor center; it's the portal to an unforgettable experience. This engaging interpretive center provides an in-depth introduction to the adventure of searching for diamonds in a 37-acre plowed field, the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater. Inside, exhibits detail the geological history of the park, explaining how diamonds formed deep within the Earth and were brought to the surface by volcanic activity. Visitors can learn to recognize diamonds in the rough, which come in various colors, including white, brown, and yellow. The center also showcases the different search methods used at the park, from surface searching to wet sifting. The Diamond Discovery Center also pays tribute to successful diamond prospectors in the Diamond Hunters' Hall of Fame. Here, you can view photos and read stories of those who have struck it rich at the Crater of Diamonds. Park staff offer complimentary rock and mineral identification, diamond mining demonstrations, and other interpretive programs. If you find a diamond, it can be certified at the center. Before heading out to the field, visitors can rent digging tools and screens at the center. The park welcomes guests to bring their own equipment, with the exception of battery-operated or motor-driven mining tools. The Diamond Discovery Center ensures everyone is well-prepared to embark on their diamond-hunting adventure.

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