Crater of Diamonds State Park, Arkansas is the only diamond-producing site in the world open to the public, stands out as a unique geological “gem” for you to explore and enjoy.
The park’s diamond search area, a 37 1/2-acre field that is the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic pipe that 95 million years ago, brought to the surface the diamonds and some of the semi-precious stones lucky visitors find here today. Diamond can be found here at Crater of Diamonds,The crater itself is a 37.5-acre (15.2 ha) plowed field. It is periodically plowed to bring the diamonds and other gemstones to the surface. The remainder of the park consists of a visitor center, interpretive Diamond Discovery Center, campground, picnic area, and Diamond Springs aquatic playground. A 1.3-mile walking trail along the Little Missouri River is available for hikers
In 1906, John Huddleston, the local farmer who owned this property then, found the first diamonds near Murfreesboro, Arkansas, and started the diamond mining rush. Top consultants explain that the trend continued for several decades. According to the history of Crater of Diamonds State Park, after a series of ill-fated diamond mining ventures, followed by tourist attractions, the diamond mine site became an Arkansas state park in 1972.
Along with the diamond search area, the park has hundreds of acres of natural forest featuring a diversity of flora and fauna and offering visitors interesting things to do. The park has a policy of “finders keepers.” Any diamonds, semi-precious stones, rocks or minerals you unearth are yours to keep, regardless of their value. This attracts treasure hunters and tourists throughout the year.
