I was inspired to learn more about this unique site after watching an episode of “18 Kids and Counting” on TLC a few weeks ago, wherein the Duggar family visits the park to dig for diamonds. Please chime in with comments to share useful information or tell about your experience visiting the area!
Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public. It covers 37 acres of plowed land, the remnants of a volcanic pipe eroded down to surface level.
Owner John Huddleston found the first diamond here in 1906 when it was part of his farm. The land has changed hands many times and several failed mining ventures have been attempted. The State of Arkansas bought the land in 1972 to establish the state park.
After having your stone identified at the Diamond Discovery Center, you can have your diamonds weighed and certified at no charge. However, the park staff is not trained nor equipped to estimate the value of your find. But they are happy to provide you with a list of diamond cutters, who will be able to price your diamond upon examination (a diamond’s value is based primarily on its ability to be cut, with color and clarity as secondary factors).
What to Bring: You can bring your own trowels, shovels or buckets from home or you can rent various equipment at the Diamond Discovery Center for a small fee plus security deposit. You cannot use equipment that has a battery, motor or wheels on it.
Admission, Fees & Operating Hours: Entrance to the park for diamond digging is $7.00 adult, $4.00 child (age 6-12) and free for children under age 6. Admission is good for the whole day and you can come and go as you please. The park accepts cash, personal check and Visa, MasterCard, Discover and American Express. The nearest ATM is two miles up S.R. 301 in the town of Murfreesboro. The visitor center and Diamond Discovery Center are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday through Saturday. See the PDF of full facility hours
Pets: Pets are welcome at all sites within the park except for Diamond Springs Water Park and the Kimberlite Café. Animals must be on a leash and under your control at all times.
Make sure to wear old boots or shoes! Since the digging site is a loose dirt field, you will be getting dirty (especially if the ground is moist). Don’t forget to bring a hat and sunscreen to avoid sunburn.
Ice and firewood are available at the visitor center. The gift shop sells a variety of souvenirs and novelty items as well as snacks and drinks. The Kimberlite Café serves breakfast and lunch.
While you’re in the area, visit Daisy State Park (a short drive north from Murfreesboro) to enjoy fishing, boating and swimming on Lake Greeson and the Little Missouri River. There is also a multi-use trail for ATVs, dirt bikes, mountain bikes and hikers.
Crater of Diamonds State Park: 59 paved sites ($17 per night), each with water and electrical (20/30 amp) hookups. Some shaded sites, back-ins are 30’x55’. There are two bath houses with restrooms and hot showers. A laundry facility is available and the dump station is located at the campground entrance. For more information call 870-285-3113.
Daisy State Park: 26 Class A sites ($21 per night) and 56 Class B sites ($17 per night) each with full hookups. The B sites have showers, dump stations and 30 amp service. Class A sites have 50 amp service. For more information call 870-398-4487.
Images courtesy of the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism.