I Went to Crater of Diamonds State Park (Here’s What You Need to Know)

Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is one of the only places in the world where you can dig for real diamonds and keep what you find. I went in with high hopes, low expectations, and zero experience. Here’s what I learned.

Getting There & First Impressions

The park is about two hours from Little Rock, making it a great day trip if you’re exploring the area. (If you have time before or after your visit, consider checking out the ESSE Purse Museum, Gangster Museum of America, or the Arkansas State Capitol.)

When I pulled up, I expected something a little more… flashy? Instead, it’s a big open field of dirt, but that’s the point. This 37-acre plowed field sits on an ancient volcanic crater, and real diamonds are in that dirt. It’s both exciting and a little intimidating.

Walking onto the field, I saw families, hobbyists, and even what looked like seasoned pros armed with serious digging tools. Some simply walked around looking at the ground, while others had elaborate setups with buckets, screens, shovels, and wagons.

What to Bring & Wear

I learned quickly that preparation matters. Here’s what you’ll want:

• Clothes and shoes you don’t mind getting dirty (think mud, dust, and sweat). I made the mistake of wearing sneakers, which sunk into the mud and filled with dirt. Had I been prepared, I would have worn my Hunter boots.
• A small shovel, bucket, and sifting screen (you can rent these at the park if needed on a first-come, first-serve basis). I saw some people bring full-sized shovels and even wagons and wheelbarrows to haul their supplies.
• Gloves, sunscreen, and plenty of water. It gets hot fast, and the summer heat index can reach over 110 degrees F. There are four shaded structures in the field, but that’s it. You can bring your own canopies or tents, if well-secured.
• Snacks or a packed lunch and cooler—there’s a small café, but options are limited. Of course, you can always head into downtown Murfreesboro for a bite. I had a fantastic lunch at the Feed Bin Cafe afterward.

How to Search for Diamonds

There are three main ways people hunt for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park:

1. Surface searching – Walking around the plowed search area, looking for sparkling, shiny stones. You can also use a small tool to rake the loose dirt as you watch for the diamond’s metallic luster.
2. Dry sifting – Using a small mesh screen to sift loose soil in the search area and checking the remaining gravel for diamonds. This is best when the soil is dry, not muddy.
3. Wet sifting – Digging a bucket of dirt from low-lying areas and using a screen set and water to sort gravel by size. This is the most labor-intensive method but also the most productive. There are two covered pavilions with water troughs and tables in the search area. There are also open sluice boxes with hand-operated water pumps at both ends of the field.

Tip: Diamonds found here come in white, brown, or yellow and are typically smooth and rounded rather than sharp-edged. They aren’t crystal-clear like glass but have a translucent quality. Most are about the size of a paper match head, while a one-carat diamond is roughly the size of a green pea.

My Digging Experience

As I mentioned earlier, I wasn’t exactly prepared for the whole digging-and-getting-dirty experience—that’s on me for not researching enough beforehand. (Which is exactly why I’m writing this guide, so you’ll be much better prepared than I was.)

Still, I gave it a shot and tried surface searching with my bare hands—not the most effective method, I know. The dirt varied from dry and powdery to wet and clumpy, making it tough to sift through. If I came across a diamond, I sure didn’t recognize it. But I did manage to collect a few interesting rocks as souvenirs of my “failed” diamond hunt, so I didn’t leave empty-handed!

What Are the Odds of Finding a Diamond?

According to park staff, one or two diamonds are found daily, so while it’s entirely possible to strike it lucky, it’s best to keep your expectations in check. Most visitors leave with a handful of interesting rocks, some newfound knowledge, and an urgent need for a long shower.

That said, Crater of Diamonds has a rich history of impressive finds. Since becoming an Arkansas state park in 1972, over 35,000 diamonds have been discovered. The largest ever unearthed here was the 40.23-carat Uncle Sam, while other notable finds include the 16.37-carat Amarillo Starlight, the 15.33-carat Star of Arkansas, and the 8.52-carat Esperanza.

If you’re unsure about what you’ve found, the Diamond Discovery Center park staff can help identify rocks and minerals and even certify diamonds (so you can sell them later!) There are also informative panels at the wash stations to guide you in recognizing potential treasures on your own.

Other Things to Do at Crater of Diamonds State Park

• Hike the Prospector Trail (1.2 mile self-guided loop trail)
• Hike the Little Missouri River Trail (a 1.2-mile loop trail with interpretive signage leading to a river overlook. The first half is paved and accessible.)
• Check out the wildlife observation blind.
• Check out the Diamond Discovery Center and visitor center to see found diamonds, interactive displays and info on the park’s history. I didn’t have a lot of time to spend here, but seeing the Strawn-Wagner diamond was pretty cool!
• Watch a live diamond mining demo or the instructional videos.
• Diamond Springs Water Park (separate admission)
• Stay at the park’s campground if you want to make a weekend of it.

Final Thoughts

Would I go again? Yes, but I’d be much more prepared next time and will wear boots! Even though I walked away sans diamonds, checking it off my bucket list of adventures was fun. Have you been or are you planning to go? What’s your best rockhounding experience?

Nearby Attractions

• Downtown Murfreesboro has an old-timey soda shop with sandwiches and ice cream treats, the Feed Bin restaurant (where I ate), and several cute shops and antique stores.
• Ka-Do-Ha Village Museum—This museum of archeological artifacts includes a small dig site where you can find seeded crystals and arrowheads. Indian mounds and preserved excavations are also on display. (http://www.caddotc.com/KaDoHaInfo/Ka-Do.htm)
• Diamond Springs Water Park – A mining-themed aquatic fun park. It’s part of Crater of Diamonds State Park but has a separate admission fee.

Where to Stay

• Samantha’s Timber Inn – Five uniquely themed log cabin-style rooms in Murfreesboro.
• Hampton Inn (Hope, AR) – 27 miles from Murfreesboro.
• Hampton Inn (Arkadelphia, AR) – 37 miles from Murfreesboro.
• Crater of Diamonds State Park campground

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