Crater of Diamonds State Park

The diamonds here came from deep in the earth, brought up long ago by a volcanic eruption that punched through the crust and left behind a pipe of the rare rock that carries diamonds toward the surface. Over the ages the volcano eroded away, leaving its diamond-bearing throat exposed at ground level as a field of weathered, mineral-rich soil.

That geology is what makes the site so special. Diamonds form only under enormous heat and pressure far below the surface, and they reach the top only through rare volcanic events like the one that formed this crater. Here, the eroded remains of that ancient pipe lie open to anyone willing to search.

Diamonds were first discovered here in 1906 by a local farmer who noticed unusual crystals in his field. Over the following decades various companies tried to mine the site commercially, but the deposit proved too scattered to work at a profit, and the ventures failed one after another.

In time the land became a private tourist attraction where visitors paid to search, and in 1972 the state of Arkansas acquired it and made it a state park. The finders-keepers policy remained, and the park has since welcomed generations of diamond hunters to try their luck in the same soil that defeated the commercial miners.

Thousands of diamonds are found in the field each year, most of them small, but the park has also produced some remarkable stones over the decades, including large gems that made national news. The largest diamond ever found in the United States was unearthed here, and lucky visitors still occasionally turn up sizable stones.

The search itself is simple and open to anyone. Some visitors walk the surface looking for stones after a rain washes the soil clean, while others dig and sift the earth through screens near the water. The park's staff run an identification station where finds are examined, and any diamond a visitor turns up is theirs to keep.

The field is open in every season, but the digging is easiest and the surface hunting best after rain, which loosens the soil and rinses the dirt off the stones so they catch the light. Spring and fall bring the most comfortable weather for a long day in the open field, while summer sun makes shade, water, and an early start essential.

The surrounding country of southwest Arkansas is quiet and scenic, with the Ouachita Mountains rising nearby and small towns, rivers, and lakes scattered through the pine forest. A diamond hunt makes a natural centerpiece for a trip into this less-traveled corner of the state, easily paired with a drive through the mountains.

The closest Boutel™ stays, so you can turn this stop into an overnight. Each is a place we chose through independent editorial review, never a paid placement.

Crater of Diamonds State Park, near Murfreesboro in southwestern Arkansas, is a one-of-a-kind state park and the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public where visitors can search for diamonds and keep what they find. The park sits atop the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic pipe that brought diamonds and other gems to the surface, and visitors can dig and search a large plowed field, keeping any diamonds and gemstones they discover. Diamonds are found regularly, including occasional large and valuable stones, making it a thrilling and unique treasure hunt. With its diamond search, Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a fascinating destination in Arkansas.

Yes, at Crater of Diamonds State Park, visitors keep any diamonds and other gemstones they find, a policy that makes it a uniquely thrilling treasure hunt, as it is the only public diamond site in the world with a finders-keepers rule. Visitors search the large plowed diamond field, and diamonds are found regularly, ranging from tiny stones to occasional large and valuable finds. The park offers to identify and certify finds. This keep-what-you-find policy is the heart of the appeal, making Crater of Diamonds State Park an exciting destination in Arkansas.

Searching for diamonds involves digging and sifting in an open, often muddy field, so wearing old clothes and sturdy shoes, bringing or renting digging and sifting tools, and being ready to get dirty are wise. The field is largely shadeless, so sun protection, a hat, water, and choosing cooler hours help avoid heat, and searching after rain can make diamonds easier to spot. An admission fee applies. Coming prepared for the digging and the sun ensures a fun and safe visit to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas.

The mild months of spring and fall offer the most comfortable weather for digging in the open, shadeless field, while summer can be very hot, so early morning is best then with plenty of water. Searching after a rain is often rewarding, as rain can wash soil away and reveal diamonds, so timing a visit after wet weather can help. For the most comfortable digging weather, aim for spring or fall, ideally after a rain, at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas.

Crater of Diamonds State Park is near Murfreesboro in southwestern Arkansas, within reach of the southwestern Arkansas countryside, the Ouachita Mountains and Hot Springs to the northeast, and the region's attractions. That makes Crater of Diamonds State Park a fascinating stop to combine with the Hot Springs area and the other attractions of southwestern Arkansas on a visit to the state.