Crater of Diamonds State Park

About

Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, offers something truly one-of-a-kind: the chance to search a 37-acre plowed field and keep any diamonds or gems you discover. It's the only public diamond site in the world, and since the park opened in 1972, visitors have found more than 35,000 diamonds here. Some have been significant stones worth thousands of dollars. Most finds are small, but the thrill of the hunt keeps people coming back.

The diamond search area sits on the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater. Park staff regularly plow the field to bring new stones to the surface, especially after heavy rains. You don't need any special equipment to get started. The park provides basic tools, or you can bring your own shovels, screens, and buckets. Staff at the Diamond Discovery Center will help you identify anything promising you've found.

Beyond diamond hunting, the park features a lovely trail system winding through the surrounding woods. The half-mile River Trail follows the Little Missouri River through a quiet forest setting, and half of it is paved with barrier-free access. It's a peaceful break from the excitement of the search field. The park also has a water playground for kids, picnic areas, and a gift shop stocked with locally sourced jewelry and souvenirs.

Practical tips: spring and fall offer the most comfortable searching weather. After a good rain is the best time to spot diamonds on the surface, as water washes away loose soil. Wear boots or sturdy shoes you don't mind getting muddy. Bring sunscreen and water, since the search field is fully exposed. The park is open year-round except for major holidays, with seasonal hours that shift between summer and winter. Camping is available on-site with both tent and RV sites.

Murfreesboro is a small town, so plan to bring food or grab a meal at one of the local restaurants nearby. The drive from Little Rock takes about two and a half hours.

Accessibility

The parking area and park facilities at Crater of Diamonds are ADA accessible, including the visitor center and Diamond Discovery Center. Paved pathways connect the main buildings and amenities.

The diamond search area itself is a large plowed field, and accessibility there depends heavily on weather conditions. After rain, the field can become muddy and difficult to traverse. On dry days, visitors using wheelchairs have successfully searched the field, though the uneven, tilled soil presents challenges. Contact the park directly at (870) 285-3113 to ask about current field conditions before your visit.

The River Trail offers the most accessible outdoor experience in the park. Half of this trail features paved, barrier-free surfacing, making it the longest wheelchair-accessible trail in southwest Arkansas. The paved section runs over level terrain, providing a comfortable walk through the woods.

Park restrooms are accessible, and the visitor center has level entry. The Diamond Discovery Center, where staff help identify your finds, is also barrier-free.

Arkansas State Parks provides interpretive programs designed with visitors with disabilities in mind. Several park amphitheaters, including the one at Crater of Diamonds, offer barrier-free seating areas for evening programs and workshops.

For visitors with specific accommodation needs, contact the park ahead of your visit. Staff can advise on current conditions in the search field and help plan a visit that works for your mobility level.

More accessible places in Arkansas

• Arkansas Post National Memorial (Gillett)
• Buffalo National River (St. Joe)
• Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site (Little Rock)
• Pea Ridge National Military Park (Garfield)
• Beaver Lake & Hobbs State Park (Springdale)
• Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art (Bentonville)