Crater of Diamonds State Park

Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism
Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

This state park in Arkansas is possibly the only place in the world where you can dig for diamonds and keep whatever treasure you find.

At first glance, Crater of Diamonds State Park looks like an average plowed field. Dig a little deeper and you may just go home with a diamond. Visit one of the world’s only public diamond mines in Murfreesboro, Arkansas. The area, which is the eroded surface of a volcanic crater, is the world’s eighth-largest diamond-bearing area.

Join over a century of diamond seekers. In 1906, John Huddleston, a farmer, was looking for gold, tin or lead and saw glittering pebbles. Upon discovering that they were diamonds, word spread quickly and people flocked to the area. In 1972, the Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism purchased the site and continues to operate it as a diamond mine. Sift through the 37.5-acre (15.2-hectare) field to see what treasures you find.

Begin and end your visit in the Diamond Discovery Centre. Rent tools for diamond prospecting. Tour interactive exhibits about the park’s history and watch a video on how to search for and identify diamonds. Check out the diamond hunters’ Hall of Fame, featuring notable finds in the Crater of Diamonds. At the end of your trip, bring diamonds and other finds here to be identified and certified by a park staff member.

Enjoy breakfast, lunch or other refreshments in the Kimberlite Café Restaurant. Purchase a souvenir to remember your visit, from T-shirts to diamond-hunting tools, in the gift shop.

Cool off in Diamond Springs Water Park, the park’s aquatic playground. Fitting with its surroundings, everything has a mining theme. Splash around in the large wading pool or play in the geysers, water slides, waterfall and more. Soak up the sun on the sprawling deck.

Visit Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas daily throughout the year. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas Day and New Year's Day. Diamond Springs Water Park is open between Memorial Day and Labour Day. Come and go as many times as you want in one day using your admission ticket. Look for arrowheads to go with your diamonds at the nearby Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village.

Popular places to visit

Old Washington Historic State Park

Historic Washington State Park

See examples of historic architecture and learn how pioneers lived in the early 19th century in this fascinating preserved town.

Historic Washington State Park

Pike County Court House

After visiting Pike County Court House, make a plan to see the other sights and activities in Murfreesboro. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Pike County Court House

Ka Do Ha Indian Village

You can spend time studying the exhibits at Ka Do Ha Indian Village in Murfreesboro. Wander the parks or discover the area's sunsets.

Ka Do Ha Indian Village

Narrows Dam

You can find out about the history of Murfreesboro with a stop at Narrows Dam. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Narrows Dam

Narrows Dam Public Use Area

Explore the great outdoors at Narrows Dam Public Use Area, a lovely green space in Murfreesboro. While you're in the area, wander around the natural setting.

Narrows Dam Public Use Area

Parker Creek Recreation Area

Explore the great outdoors at Parker Creek Recreation Area, a lovely green space in Murfreesboro. While you're in the area, wander around the parks.

Parker Creek Recreation Area

Top Hotel Deals

Little Shamrock Motel

Little Shamrock Motel

2.5 out of 5
919 North Washington Avenue, Murfreesboro, AR
Little Shamrock Motel
Yellow Diamond Inn

Yellow Diamond Inn

2 out of 5
705 N Washington St, Murfreesboro, AR
Yellow Diamond Inn
River View Hideaway on the Little Missouri River

River View Hideaway on the Little Missouri River

Murfreesboro, AR
River View Hideaway on the Little Missouri River
The Diamond Escape Murfreesboro Arkansas 3 miles to Crater of Diamond State Park

The Diamond Escape Murfreesboro Arkansas 3 miles to Crater of Diamond State Park

2 out of 5
Murfreesboro, AR
The Diamond Escape Murfreesboro Arkansas 3 miles to Crater of Diamond State Park
See all 248 properties in Crater of Diamonds State Park
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Crater of Diamonds State Park

At Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, visitors can enjoy the unique experience of diamond glamping, where you can immerse yourself in nature while searching for real diamonds. The park offers a delightful combination of outdoor adventure and relaxation, allowing you to connect with the stunning surroundings. Don't miss the chance to uncover precious gems while enjoying the comforts of glamping in this extraordinary setting.

Shopping

At Crater of Diamonds State Park, enjoy local shops for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, visit the Expo Shopping Center, located 15.5km away, where you'll find a mix of family-friendly retailers and local businesses, perfect for gifts and keepsakes.

Recreation

Narrows Dam Public Use Area, located 5.6km from Crater of Diamonds State Park, offers a tranquil setting perfect for relaxation and wellness activities. For sports enthusiasts, Glenwood Country Club, 14.3km away, provides a delightful golfing experience amidst beautiful surroundings. Parker Creek Recreation Area, 6.2km away, also promotes wellness with its serene atmosphere.

Adventure

Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a unique adventure where you can search for real diamonds in a 37-acre plowed field. Enjoy picnicking amidst nature, exploring hiking trails, and visiting the park's visitor centre to learn about the gems found by fellow treasure hunters.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Crater of Diamonds State Park is charming and laid-back. Enjoy a drink at the local pubs in Murfreesboro, where friendly locals gather for a chat. For a unique experience, consider stargazing in the park, where the clear skies reveal a stunning array of stars.

Find the best attractions near Crater of Diamonds State Park

Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, offers a wealth of outdoor activities for eco-conscious families. Visitors can explore the unique diamond-crater site, enjoy the scenic beauty of nearby lakes and parks, and immerse themselves in nature. Whether you’re searching for precious gems or simply enjoying the natural surroundings, this destination provides a memorable experience for all types of travellers.

  • Pike County Court House: This historic civic government building, located 1.2km from Crater of Diamonds State Park, showcases stunning architecture and rich local history. Its cultural vibe makes it a great spot for a leisurely visit and photographs.
  • Ka Do Ha Indian Village: Situated 2.5km away, this archaeological site offers a fascinating glimpse into the lives of Native Americans. With its cultural significance, it's an enriching experience for those interested in anthropology and history.
  • Lake Greeson: Located 6.2km from the park, Lake Greeson is perfect for outdoor activities. Enjoy its picturesque beach scenery and tranquil environment, ideal for romantic getaways or peaceful retreats.

Best time to go to Crater of Diamonds State Park

The best time to visit Crater of Diamonds State Park is dependant on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately high and weather is mostly sunny with light rain. January is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are moderately low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January42.4°F (5.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low
February45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly Low
March54.5°F (12.5°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighSlightly High
April61.7°F (16.5°C)Moderate RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
May70.3°F (21.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
June79.3°F (26.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
July82.4°F (28.0°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
August81.7°F (27.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately HighAverage
September75.7°F (24.3°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
October64.6°F (18.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
November52.9°F (11.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowAverage
December46.0°F (7.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnyModerately LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Crater of Diamonds State Park

For a budget-friendly visit to Crater of Diamonds State Park, consider travelling between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Opt for a Tuesday stay to save even more, as Saturdays tend to be pricier. Use Expedia to find affordable hotels by filtering for your budget and preferences, including eco-friendly options. Look for package deals that combine flights and activities for extra savings. Additionally, take advantage of free cancellation policies and earn rewards like 'orbucks' to further reduce costs.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Crater of Diamonds State Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to March to April and June, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Crater of Diamonds State Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Crater of Diamonds State Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can easily arrange your search results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally-friendly accommodation options available for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You could potentially save some money by combining your hotel reservation at Crater of Diamonds State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.