Imagine a place where anyone can dig up real diamonds and take them home. Well, it exists! The Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is the only public-accessible diamond mine in the world. You get to search for diamonds on a 37-acre field and keep whatever you find.
Just recently, in September 2023, a seven-year-old girl found a 2.95-carat brown diamond while visiting the park on her birthday. The diamonds at this site were formed over 3 billion years ago, as a result of volcanic activity that brought them from deep within the Earth’s crust to the surface. Today, these gems are in the soil of Arkansas, waiting to be discovered by anyone. Let’s have a closer look at the details.
The Discovery and History of the Crater of Diamonds
In 1906 when John Wesley Huddleston, a local farmer and prospector, stumbled upon diamonds in the area. His discovery led to a diamond rush in Pike County, with prospectors pouring in from everywhere. Huddleston’s find also spurred neighboring landowners, like Millard M. Mauney, to explore the diamond-bearing soil on their properties.
Two major companies, the Arkansas Diamond Company and Ozark Diamond Mines Corporation, soon took control of the land atop Prairie Creek Pipe. But running these mining operations wasn’t easy. Both companies faced constant financial struggles, mismanagement, legal battles, and even sabotage. In 1924, Wesley Oley Basham, an employee of the Arkansas Diamond Company, found a massive 40.23-carat diamond. The diamond was later called “Uncle Sam.” It remains the largest diamond ever found in the United States.

The site was opened to the public in 1952, and it gave visitors the chance to search for diamonds for a small fee. People found some notable gems like the 15.33-carat Star of Arkansas (1956), the 6.42-carat Gary Moore diamond (1960), and the 34.25-carat Star of Murfreesboro (1964).

The Crater of Diamonds State Park Today: A One-of-a-Kind Experience
In 1972, the state of Arkansas purchased the land, transforming it into the Crater of Diamonds State Park. It was also added to the National Register of Historic Places in 1973. The park offers a distinct experience where visitors can explore and dig for diamonds or other minerals.
The park covers 911 acres of woodland along the Little Missouri River and includes a 37-acre search field on top of an ancient volcanic vent called Prairie Creek Pipe. This vent formed over 100 million years ago during a volcanic eruption. It brought diamonds to the surface.
About two diamonds are discovered at the park every day. Since the park’s opening over 35,000 diamonds have been found by visitors. These diamonds usually weigh less than a carat and come in a range of colors—white, brown, and yellow being the most common. Visitors can also find other minerals like agate, jasper, quartz, and amethyst.

What to Expect During Your Visit
When you arrive at the Crater of Diamonds State Park, you’ll find plenty to explore. The visitor center provides information about the park’s geology and history, along with displays of real, uncut diamonds. You can also visit the Diamond Discovery Center, which offers lessons on searching for diamonds using different techniques. If you don’t have your own mining tools, you can rent them at the park. However, remember that battery-operated or motor-driven tools are not allowed.
The park staff provides free identification of any rocks and minerals you find, as well as diamond mining demonstrations and educational programs. The search field is the main attraction, and it is open year-round. It’s an open, eroded surface where you can dig, sift, or simply search on the ground for shiny gems. Commonly recommended digging spots include areas with freshly plowed soil, as recent rains might have unearthed hidden diamonds. The tools you’ll need most are a shovel, a sifter, and a bucket.

While searching for diamonds, keep an eye out for diamonds with a metallic luster, as they often have a smooth and rounded shape. Always remember that patience is key, and even if you don’t find a diamond, you might come across other minerals.
The park also has several amenities for a comfortable visit. It offers walking trails, picnic spots, 47 Class AAA campsites with water and sewer facilities, and five walk-in tent sites. Additionally, the Diamond Springs Water Park, open during the summer, is a great way to cool off after a long day of digging.

The Fascinating Legends and Mysteries of Crater of Diamonds
The Crater of Diamonds has inspired many stories over the years. Tales of treasure hunters searching for hidden gems abound, often mixed with local legends and spiritual beliefs of indigenous communities. The site has also seen visits from notable figures, including politicians like Governor Bill Clinton, who even approved a lease for commercial exploration at the park in the early 1990s. However, the venture didn’t yield enough diamonds for large-scale mining, so the companies withdrew by 1994.
Conclusion
If you’re looking for an adventure where nature, history, and the possibility of finding real diamonds come together, the Crater of Diamonds State Park is the place to go. Whether you leave with a diamond or simply memories of exploring an ancient volcanic site, it’s an experience worth having. So, pack your gear and head to Murfreesboro, Arkansas—you never know what treasure awaits!
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