Crater of Diamonds State ParkDescriptionThe first diamond was found here in 1906 by John Huddleston, the owner of the property. Since that time the Crater of Diamonds has changed hands several times. All attempts of commercial mining failed because of lawsuits, lack of money and fires. In 1972, the State of Arkansas purchased the property for development as a state park.
Crater of Diamonds State Park is the only diamond-producing site in the world where visitors can pay a fee and search for diamonds. The policy here is “finder’s keepers.” Any person can keep any diamonds he or she found. Since the Crater of Diamonds State Park opened in 1972, more than 19,000 diamonds have been found, many of which are of gemstone quality. There are still plenty of diamonds waiting to be discovered!
No special tools are necessary for diamond searching. You can just walk up and down the rows looking for diamonds lying on top of the ground. However, many visitors do like to dig in the soil. You have the options of bringing your own tools or purchasing or renting tools at the park.
The visitor center of the park features exhibits, explaining the area's geology and giving tips on recognizing diamonds in the rough. Park staff provides free identification and certification of diamonds. The Park also offers 59 Class A campsites, picnic sites, a summertime cafe, laundry, gift shop, interpretive programs, hiking trails, and a water play area.
Entrance FeeAdults: $6
Children (ages 6-12): $3
Children under 6 years old free.
Operating Hours & SeasonsThe park is open year-round except for New Year’s Day, Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day.
Getting ThereFrom Little Rock - Travel west on I-30 approximately 56 miles and take exit 73 at Arkadelphia, then go south on Ark. 26 for approximately 34 miles to Murfreesboro. From downtown Murfreesboro, take Ark. 301 and go 2 1/2 miles southwest to the park.
From Louisiana - From the Shreveport Bossier City area, take Louisiana Highway 3 north to the Arkansas state line. As you enter Arkansas, this highway becomes Ark. 29. Travel Ark. 29 north for 23 miles to Hope. Take US 278 north and go 27 miles to Nashville. From Nashville, take Ark. 27 north and go 13 miles to Murfreesboro. At Murfreesboro, take Ark. 301 and go southwest approximately 2 1/2 miles to the park.
From Texarkana - Go east on I-30 for 30 miles and take Exit 30 at Hope. Take US 278 north and go 27 miles to Nashville. From Nashville, take Ark. 27 north and go 13 miles to Murfreesboro. At Murfreesboro, take Ark. 301 and go southwest approximately 2 1/2 miles to the park.
209 State Park Road
Murfreesboro, AR 71958
Phone: (870) 285-3113
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