Crater Of Diamonds State Park: 11 Facts You Should Know!

Visitors may go diamond hunting, learn about the local history and geology, and spend time outdoors at Crater of Diamonds State Park, a distinctive and intriguing location.

• The 37.5-acre plowed field inside the park’s limits, which is the site of an old volcano crater, is the only diamond-producing location in the world that is accessible to the general public. 
• Visitors may look for sapphires and other valuable gemstones there.
• The park educates visitors about the region’s history, geology, and mining techniques through a range of educational activities such as tour guides and mineral exploration demonstrations.

History and Facts

The Crater of Diamonds State Park is an intriguing location with a lengthy history and a special feature that lets visitors retain everything they discover. It is a well-liked attraction for tourists from all over the world due to its distinction being the single diamond mine in the globe wherein visitors may look for and retain diamonds.

• Discovery: John Huddleston, a local farmer first uncovered the very first gems on his land, and unearthed the Crater of Diamonds in 1906. Because of the ensuing diamond boom, the state of Arkansas purchased the site and established it as a state park in 1972.
• Biggest diamond mine:   In terms of acreage, the park is also the eighth-largest diamond mine globally.
• Rich history: Since its discovery in 1906, the park has seen over 75,000 diamond finds. Two exceptional finds include the Uncle Sam diamond, the largest diamond ever discovered in the United States, and the Esperanza diamond, a 4.62-carat diamond unearthed in 2015.
• Explore the park’s Diamonds Exploration Center to see displays and understand diamond mining or go diamond hunting in the 37.5-acre plowed field.

Location

• Address: 209 State Park Rd, Murfreesboro, 
• Country: United States
• Zip code: AR 71958

complete address of The Crater of diamonds state park – Search (bing.com)

• Due to its location atop a volcanic pipe, a slender, vertical conduit loaded with volcanic material that rises from a remote region of the Earth’s mantle, the geography of the Crater of Diamonds State Park is exceptional. 
• A “crater”—a dip on the earth’s surface—was left behind when erosion gradually eroded the gentler implemented pipe. 
• Currently, visitors may sift thru the sand in the park’s authorized search area in quest of diamonds and other jewels.

Weather Conditions

• Summers are hot in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, where highs often reach 90°F (32°C) or higher. Here is where the Crater of Diamonds State Park is situated. Carry sunscreen, hats, and lots of water to remain hydrated while touring the park, it is urged of visitors.
• Warm Winters: Murfreesboro experiences comparatively moderate winters.

Daily time high temp. –  50°F 

Day low temp. – of 30°Fon average. 

• Snow does not fall frequently, however, it can happen on occasion in the winter. Rainy Springs: Murfreesboro experiences a greater likelihood of precipitation throughout the spring, with both the wettest months typically March, April, and May. Guests who intend to visit during this period should pack proper rain gear so they may explore the park in comfort and safety.

Rainfall Range: 

Wind Range:

Snow Days:

Flora & Fauna

Plants:

1. Wildflowers (including bluebells, black-eyed susans, and Indian paintbrushes)
2. Pine trees (including loblolly pine, shortleaf pine, and slash pine)
3. Hardwoods (including oak, hickory, and sweetgum)
4. Poison ivy
5. Kudzu
6. Cactus (including prickly pear and eastern red cedar)

Animals:

1. White-tailed deer
2. Coyotes
3. Bobcats
4. Armadillos
5. Raccoons
6. Opossums
7. Foxes
8. Skunks
9. Squirrels
10. Rabbits
11. Chipmunks
12. owls, woodpeckers, and wild turkeys
13. Snakes (copperheads, western diamondbacks, and timber rattlesnakes)
14. Turtles (including box turtles and snapping turtles)
15. Catfish and bluegill)

Activities

Beautiful Colorado Bend State Park in Texas has a variety of activities for guests to enjoy. Some of the great things to do in Colorado Bend State Park are listed below

• DIAMONDBACK MINING – Diamond Discovery Centre

The Diamond Search Entrance–  $13/adults and $6/children. 

Entry Ticket Pass: $220

Hunting Allowed: 1-2 diamonds/day

• Where can visitors hunt for diamonds? 

• You may be surprised at the solution. One of the few diamond-producing locations where the general populace can browse for diamonds in their existing volcanic source is Arkansas’ Crater of Diamonds State Park. 
• The “finders, keepers” rule is in effect here, which means you get to keep any gems you discover.
•  The Diamond Discovery Center provides visitors with access to a 37 1/2-acre plowed area to search for diamonds, which are free to identify and register.
• Trawling or screening
•  To discover the components that are too big to pass through the mesh, gently stir the soil with a screen. Dry soil is necessary for filtering or sifting to be successful.
• the aqueous screening

• Visitors wipe dirt through a screen with the water that is supplied at the washing stations to check for minerals that were left behind.
•  Maximum digging allowed/person – 5-gallon pail of sifted soil each day.
•  No unscreened dirt may be taken out.
• What Goes Occur If You Discover A Diamond?

• No matter how big or little a diamond you find, visitors get to bring it back home.
• Individuals will be asked to come back for a press photograph if the diamond is a record-breaker of any sort.
• The Diamond Discovery Center team examines and weighs and confirms gems without cost, allowing visitors to keep them.

• Hiking-The finest way to explore Arkansas’ unique beauty is on one of the 300 miles of trekking trails available at Arkansas State Parks. 

• They pass past historic locations that illustrate Arkansas history as they traverse through bottomlands abounding with wildlife. 
• The state parks provide adventures of every length and degree of difficulty, allowing you to select the ideal journey.

• Camping: A campground with 47 Class AAA campsites (with water, power, and sewage hookups; the majority of these sites include tent pads) and five stroll tented sites is available at the Crater of Diamonds State Park. 
•  There are two contemporary restrooms with hot showers in the campsite. There is a dump station nearby (with little or no water to wash the tank). 

Note: Tents are still not provided, please note. A tent’s tent pad is indicated when it is mentioned.

1. CLASS AAA – WATER/50 AMP/SEWER

CAMPING RATES – $40.00/Night for adults (average)

2. CLASS D – TENT SITE

CAMPING RATES – $15.00/Night for adults (average)

• Educational Programs: During the year, the park offers various events related to mineral extraction, geology, and wildlife that help visitors to learn about parks heritage and environment. 
• The Little Missouri River, which flows through the park, is a great place for kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Visitors may catch bass, catfish, and rockfish in the river.

Altogether, the Crater of Diamonds State Park delivers a fascinating and distinctive excursion for visitors of all sorts.

Fooding

Visitors may choose from a range of dining options at the Crater of Diamonds State Park:

• The concession counter at Diamond Springs Water Park serves a range of snacks, beverages, and quick meals such as hot dogs, nachos, and hamburgers. It is situated in the park’s water park section.
• Kimberlite Café: Situated inside the park’s visitor center, the Kimberlite Cafe is a comprehensive eatery. It serves sandwiches, soups, burgers, and main dishes along with some breakfast options.
• Picnic Areas: The area has several picnic spots where guests may utilize tables and grills. Guests are allowed to bring their food and enjoy lunch in the park’s scenic surroundings.
• Restaurants nearby: 

1. Telinga’s Mexican Restaurant

#1 of 9 Restaurants in Murfreesboro

 100 E 13th St

2.9 miles from Crater of Diamonds State Park

2. Southern Dine

#2 of 9 Restaurants in Murfreesboro

101 West Main Street

2.4 miles from Crater of Diamonds State Park

3. Feed Bin Cafe

#3 of 9 Restaurants in Murfreesboro

61 Courthouse Square Historic Courthouse Square

2.4 miles from Crater of Diamonds State Park

4. Hawkins Variety Store

#4 of 9 Restaurants in Murfreesboro

#51 Courthouse Square

                                           2.4 miles from Crater of Diamonds State Park

5. Pizza Inn

#6 of 9 Restaurants in Murfreesboro

104 E 13th St

2.8 miles from Crater of Diamonds State Park

Lodging

Visitors visiting Arkansas’s Crater of Diamonds State Park have a choice of accommodation facilities. Some of the choices are as follows:

• 12 cabins are available for overnight stays in the state park’s Diamond Springs Water Park, which is a water park. Each cottage has a living room, complete kitchen, and covered porch. A pool and water slides are also included in the water park.
• 47 campsites at the state park are suitable for campers, RVs, and trailers. The campgrounds have water, electricity, and in some cases, sewage hookups as well. A trash station, saunas, and bathrooms are also available in the park.
• 59 RV sites with water are available in the RV park in the Crater of Diamonds State Park.
• Hotel accommodations: 

1. Yellow Diamond Inn

705 N Washington Ave, Murfreesboro, AR 71958-9312

4.1 km from Crater of Diamonds State Park

#1 Best Value of 242 places to stay in Murfreesboro

2. Super 8 by Wyndham Hope

2000 Holiday Dr, I-30 Exit 30 at Hwy 4, Hope, AR 71801-2509

39.1 km from Crater of Diamonds State Park

#2 Best Value of 242 places to stay in Murfreesboro

3. Hampton Inn & Suites Hope

2700 N Hervey St, Hope, AR 71801-8460

39.1 km from Crater of Diamonds State Park

#3 Best Value of 242 places to stay in Murfreesboro

4. Best Western Hope

1800 Holiday Dr, Hope, AR 71801

39.1 km from Crater of Diamonds State Park

#4 Best Value of 242 places to stay in Murfreesboro

5. Executive Inn & Suites Prescott

1703 US Highway 371 W, Prescott, AR 71857-3909

33.9 km from Crater of Diamonds State Park

Facilities

Visitors may look for diamonds and other jewels in the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, a well-liked tourist spot. In addition to the opportunity to go diamond hunting, the park provides guests with a number of amenities, such as:

• The thrill of diamond searching begins at the Diamond Discovery Center. Visitors may pick up information on the local geology and diamond-hunting techniques.
• Gift Shop: There is a gift store in the park where guests may purchase mementos, jewellery, and literature about diamonds and other rocks.
• 47 Class AAA campsites with both electricity and water hookups, along with places for tent camping, are available at the park.
• Picnic Areas: The park has picnic sites with benches and grills that are ideal for a barbecue with friends or a family picnic.
• Playground: Kids may have fun on the playground at the park.
• Visitor Center: The visitor center offers details on the geology, history, and nearby attractions of the park.
• Visitors can rent tools including excavators, screens, and containers for looking for diamonds.
• Visitors may clean and identify their treasures at the diamond cleaning station after they’ve discovered a diamond.
• Water Park: This amusement area features a sizable lagoon, water slides, and a splashing pad for kids.

Best Time to Visit

• Heatwaves can render diamond searching uncomfortable, so mild weather is excellent for exploring Crater of Diamonds State Park.
• Following a rainstorm: Rain may wipe away debris and reveal diamonds on the surface, making it an even great opportunity to explore the Crater of Diamonds State Park. It is thus preferable to schedule your visit on the day following a wet day or during a time when rain is expected. Although heavy rain might turn the area muddy and challenging to manage, bear in mind that this is another reason to check the climate before going outside.

Sightseeing

• The park’s major draw is diamond hunting, and guests are free to keep any gems they uncover.
• Guided Tours: You may join a guided tour if you’re a beginner to diamond searching or are interested in understanding the geology and history of the area. The park provides a variety of tour options, such as walking, rock-collecting, and historical trips.
• Additional Activities: The park also provides other activities including camping, boating, and hiking in complement to diamond hunting. A playground, a gift store, and a water park are also present in the park.
• For overnight stays, the park has cottages, campsites, and a lodge. It is advised to make reservations, especially in the high season.

Ultimately, The Crater of Diamonds State Park provides visitors of all ages with a distinctive and thrilling experience. 

Reservations

Timing-8 a.m. till 4 p.m.

Entry Fee – 

• For adults (ages 13 and older) who are residents of Arkansas; $10. 
• For non-residents – $12. 
• For kids (between the ages of 6 and 12) – $6 (for both residents and non-residents. Children under the age of five are admitted free)

 The Crater of Diamonds State Park reservation process:

• Visit: https://www.arkansasstateparks.com/parks/crater-diamonds-state-park
• select “Reserve Now.”
• Decide on your chosen arrival and departure dates, your group size, and the kind of lodging you want.
• To view the choices, click “Check Availability.”
• Choose the lodging that best meets your needs and then click “Book Now.”
• Fill in the required details.
• Examine your reservation’s specifics, including the times, places, and costs.
• Click “Confirm Reservation” if everything appears to be in order.
• An email containing the specifics of your reservation will be sent to you as confirmation.
• Call the park’s reservation line at 1-877-879-2741 for further inquiries.
• Click “Confirm Reservation” if this all appears to be in order.

Rules for Pets

• Pets are permitted in certain sections of the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, yet there are certain guidelines that pet parents should be mindful of.

Specific Rule or Restriction

• Observe all directions given by park workers and any posted signage.
• Do not obstruct other visitors’ searches out of respect.
• Avoid leaving trash or damaging the park’s natural or constructed elements.
• Keep to specified regions and avoid entering prohibited areas.
• Pets and other animals are not permitted in the park, except for service animals.
• Children under the age of 12 must be guided by a responsible guardian.
• Never climb up any equipment or buildings or take them down.
• Please don’t annoy or hurt any of the park’s animals or flora.
• Any diamonds discovered in the park belong to the discoverer, and they have to be recorded with park diplomats before being taken out of the park.

Safety Tips: Choose comfortable attire and shoes for diamond searching because it might be physically taxing. To protect oneself from the sun, pack lots of water, sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. It’s crucial to abide by the park’s rules and guidelines, which include remaining inside the approved diamond-hunting zone and refraining from utilizing metal detectors.

Ritika Vaishnav

Greetings Everyone!
I’m Ritika Vaishnav a freelance content writer with a passion for creating educational and engaging content on a wide range of topics. I love to travel and write about it.