You Can Dig for Diamonds at This Arkansas State Park

Positioned round two hours southwest of Little Rock, Arkansas, is arguably probably the most distinctive state park within the U.S.—Crater of Diamonds State Park. This 911-acre park attracts guests from all throughout the Pure State, and past. Why, you could ask? Due to what lies beneath the soil. 

Crater of Diamonds is situated on a former volcanic crater, and in 1906, a neighborhood farmer named John Huddleston discovered diamonds right here. Since then, over 35,000 diamonds have been unearthed from the mineral-rich soil, the most important diamond ever found in the USA, the 40-carat “Uncle Sam.” In 1972, the property turned a state park, and now, guests can strive their luck and dig for diamonds within the park’s 37-acre discipline. Any gems, rocks, or minerals that you simply discover—diamonds, or in any other case—are yours to maintain.

The park primarily has three sorts of diamonds: white, yellow, and brown. You’ll be able to view the diamond hunters’ “Corridor of Fame,” on the park’s Diamond Discovery Heart, which showcases probably the most spectacular gems unearthed on the park. As just lately as Could 2025, a customer to the park from Minnesota discovered a 3.81-carat brown diamond, the most important discovered thus far this yr. Nonetheless, there are different stones and gems that may be discovered on-site, together with quartz, agate, garnet, and jasper.

In the event you’re seeking to discover a treasure for your self, the perfect time to go is after rain, says park superintendent Waymon Cox.

“Lots of the park’s largest diamonds are discovered on high of the bottom,” Cox says. “As rain falls within the search space, it washes away the grime and uncovers heavy rocks, minerals, and diamonds close to the floor.” 

Admission for diamond looking is $15 for adults and $7 for youngsters. Aspiring rock hunters can convey their very own instruments or hire tools from the park. Crater of Diamonds has issues like shovels, screens, wagons, sarucas (a bowl-shaped display screen coated with a wonderful mesh), and buckets available. Native shops on the town additionally promote gem-hunting gear equivalent to Lovejoy Diamond Screens and Murfreesboro {Hardware}. In the event you do discover one thing, you will get it licensed by the park rangers. Nonetheless, Cox recommends not getting too caught up within the quest to search out diamonds—there’s a lot to understand on the park.

“Although most visitors don’t discover a diamond on their first go to, there are many different distinctive and delightful rocks and minerals to gather,” says Cox. 

In the event you’re not considering diamond digging, Crater of Diamonds additionally has a seasonal water park, miles of mountaineering trails, and, due to its location, prime stargazing unaffected by metropolis lights. You’ll be able to spend the night time (particularly should you plan on spending a number of days mining) on the shaded campground. It has 47 websites with full hookups for RVs and tents, plus 5 extra primary tent websites, all with entry to the 2 bathhouses.

No matter type of journey you are hoping to have at Crater of Diamonds State Park, you are positive to have a gem of a time.