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Experience an exciting family trip at Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. Discover real diamonds on the park’s 37-acre diamond-bearing soil field with easy-to-use tools and helpful staff. Treasure hunters of all ages can have a fun and educational experience searching for gems and potential discoveries.
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF DIAMOND HUNTING AT CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK
Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas is a unique and exciting destination for families. It offers the rare opportunity to search for real diamonds, which can be found right on the park’s 37-acre diamond-bearing soil field. With the park’s helpful staff and easy-to-use tools, the search for gems can be a fun and educational experience for all ages. Whether you’re a seasoned treasure hunter or a first-time visitor, the Crater of Diamonds is the perfect destination for a family trip filled with adventure, excitement, and the potential for discovery.
WHAT IS CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK?
Crater of Diamonds State Park is a 911-acre Arkansas state park in Pike County, Arkansas, in the United States. The park features the world’s only diamond-bearing site accessible to the public for prospecting. Visitors to the park can keep any diamonds they find. The policy has resulted in a great deal of success, with many park visitors finding diamonds in the soil.
10 REASONS TO VISIT CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK WITH KIDS
1. Dig for Real Diamonds – Kids of all ages love the thrill of digging in the dirt and finding real diamonds at this state park.
2. The Search is On – Kids can search for other gemstones and minerals as well as diamonds.
3. Educational Opportunities – Learning about geology and the history of diamond mining is an exciting part of a visit to the park.
4. Get Creative – Kids can take their found gemstones and minerals and create artistic jewelry or crafts with them.
5. Go Fishing – There are plenty of fishing opportunities at the park.
6. Hiking Trails – Hiking trails are available for exploring the park’s natural beauty.
7. Picnicking – Grab a picnic lunch and enjoy a meal in the park.
8. Camping – Camping is available for those who would like to stay a night or two.
9. Gem Identification – Staff are available to help identify any gems or minerals that may have been found.
10. Take Home a Treasure – Kids can take home a diamond or other gems as a souvenir of their visit.
10 FACTS ABOUT CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK
1. Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond producing site in the world that is open to the public.
2. It is located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, and covers a 37.5-acre plowed field.
3. The park has produced over 75,000 diamonds since it opened in 1972.
4. The park is unique because visitors can search for diamonds in the soil.
5. The largest diamond ever found in the park was the white diamond, Uncle Sam, which weighed in at 40.23 carats.
6. Other gemstones that can be found in the park include amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, and quartz.
7. The park offers educational programs, field trips, and other special events.
8. Visitors can rent equipment such as diamond scoops, shovels, and sieves to aid in their search.
9. In addition to diamonds, visitors can also find fossils and semi-precious stones in the soil.
10. The park is open year-round and offers camping, hiking, and picnicking.
HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU NEED TO CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK
BEST TIME OF YEAR TO VISIT CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK
WHAT IS THE WEATHER LIKE AT CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK?
The weather at Crater of Diamonds State Park varies depending on the season. In winter, average temperatures range from the mid-30s to the mid-50s and precipitation is common. In spring and fall, temperatures range from the mid-50s to the mid-80s, and precipitation is less frequent. In summer, temperatures range from the mid-70s to the low-90s and precipitation is rare.
WHAT IS THE NUMBER ONE ATTRACTION AT CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK?
WHAT ARE THE TOP ATTRACTIONS FOR CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK?
1. Digging for Diamonds
2. Diamond Discovery Center
3. Park Trails
4. Visitor Center
5. Diamond Springs Water Park
6. West Mine and East Mine
7. Plowed Field
8. Pig Pen
9. Diamond Mining Workshops
10. Special Events and Programs
12 FUN FAMILY ACTIVITIES NEAR CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK
1. Visit the Arkansas Welcome Center in Texarkana – See the unique and interactive exhibits and learn about the history, culture, and people of Arkansas.
2. Visit the Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village Museum – Learn about the history and culture of the region.
3. Explore Blanchard Springs Caverns – Take an underground journey on a guided tour of the caverns and see the amazing formations.
4. Go fishing at Lake Greeson – Enjoy a day of fishing on this beautiful lake and see if you can catch a big one!
5. Enjoy the scenery at Daisy State Park – Stroll through the scenic park and take in the beauty of Lake Greeson.
6. Take a hike in the Ouachita National Forest – Enjoy a peaceful hike in the forest and take in the beauty of nature.
7. Play mini-golf at Volcano Falls Miniature Golf in Hot Springs, AR – Test your mini-golf skills and have a great time with the family.
8. Go horseback riding at Mountain Harbor Riding Stable – Saddle up and explore the ranch on a guided horseback riding tour.
9. Visit the Crater of Diamonds State Park Museum – Learn the history of the park and get insight into the geological processes that formed the diamond-bearing rock.
10. Take a river float on the Little Missouri River – Enjoy a peaceful float down the river and take in the stunning scenery.
11. Go bird-watching at Lake Greeson – Enjoy a peaceful day of bird-watching and see some of the local species.
12. Take a boat tour of the lake – Enjoy a leisurely boat tour of the lake and see the local wildlife.
WHAT TO BRING TO CRATER OF DIAMONDS
When visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, it is recommended to bring the following items:
- Something to sit on, the diamond field is a wide-open, tilled field, and you will quickly learn that digging in the soil is pretty exhausting. I used a foldable camp stool to sit on during breaks.
- Sunscreen and hat for protection from the sun
- Water bottle to stay hydrated
- Comfortable shoes for walking and searching for diamonds
- Sack or container to collect any diamonds found
- A picnic basket or lunch if desired, as there is limited food available for purchase at the park
- Any tools for digging or sifting, if desired (such as a digging tool or sieve). There are sifting baskets at the park as well.
- Cash or credit card for park admission and any purchases at the park’s gift shop.
It is also recommended to check the park’s website or call ahead for any updates on park rules and regulations, as they may have changed since your last visit.
IS THERE DINING OR RESTAURANTS AT OR NEAR CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK?
Yes, there is a snack stand at the park. If you are looking for full-service restaurants, there are a handful of options in Murfreesboro.
IS THERE LODGING OR CAMPING AT OR NEAR CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK?
Yes, there is lodging and camping at or near Crater of Diamonds State Park. The park offers a 40-unit campground with water and electric hookups, a modern bathhouse, and a dump station. There are both RV sites and most sites have tent pads. Additionally, there are several hotels and cabins located in nearby Murfreesboro, Arkansas.
HOW TO GET TO CRATER OF DIAMONDS STATE PARK
Crater of Diamonds State Park is located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. It is about a 2-hour drive from Little Rock, Arkansas. From Little Rock, take I-40 East to the US-67 North Exit. Follow US-67 North for about 90 miles. Turn left onto State Route 301 and follow it for 8 miles. Turn right onto Park Road and follow it to the park entrance.
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