Did you know there’s a place in the United States where you can dig for real diamonds—and keep whatever you find? Welcome to Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, the only public diamond-bearing site in the world. Whether you’re a seasoned treasure hunter or just someone looking for a unique adventure, this park offers the rare opportunity to unearth precious gemstones straight from the source.
A Diamond Field with a History
Crater of Diamonds State Park sits atop an ancient volcanic crater, where millions of years ago, deep-source volcanic eruptions brought diamonds to the surface. Today, the park’s 37.5-acre diamond search area is actually the eroded surface of that volcanic crater. And here’s the best part: it’s open to the public! You can search for diamonds in their natural, uncut form, just like prospectors did over a century ago.
Finders, Keepers
At Crater of Diamonds, the rules are simple—finders, keepers. Whatever you uncover is yours to take home. Visitors commonly find white, brown, and yellow diamonds. In addition to diamonds, searchers often discover other semi-precious stones and minerals, including amethyst, garnet, jasper, agate, and quartz.
And yes, people really do find diamonds. In fact, on average, more than one diamond is discovered every day at the park. Some finds have made headlines. The Strawn-Wagner Diamond, unearthed in 1990, was a 3.03-carat stone later cut into a flawless 1.09-carat gem—graded perfect in all categories. More recently, in 2020, a visitor found a stunning 9.07-carat diamond just sitting on the surface!
How to Hunt for Diamonds
Visitors can bring their own tools, or rent equipment on-site. Some prefer to surface search after a good rain, while others enjoy sifting through the soil. There’s no one right way to search—just patience, persistence, and a little luck!
The park staff is friendly and even offers free identification and certification of any stones you find. They’ll help you figure out whether your discovery is a diamond or another treasure.
More Than Just Diamonds
Beyond the search field, Crater of Diamonds State Park offers picnic sites, a visitor center with exhibits about diamonds and the park’s history, and even a water park called Diamond Springs for cooling off on hot days.
Plan Your Visit
If you’re ready for an adventure that combines geology, history, and the thrill of treasure hunting, Crater of Diamonds State Park should be on your list. Whether you leave with a diamond or just a great story, it’s an experience you won’t forget.
Location: Murfreesboro, Arkansas
Admission: Very affordable (a small fee to enter the diamond search area)
Pro tip: Visit after a rainstorm—freshly washed soil often reveals hidden gems!
