When most people picture diamond mining, they imagine hard hats, towering shafts, blasting, and dangerous tunnels. They rarely envision a place where anyone can try their luck at finding real diamonds with just a shovel, screen and a bit of patience! But that’s exactly what Crater of Diamonds State Park offers. Rather than giant corporate mining operations or deep underground caverns, this diamond mine in the USA opens its gates to everyday adventure seekers with affordable park tickets and an open dig policy.
Whether you’re going just to dig up some fun or hoping for a big discovery, explorers of all ages can try their hand at unearthing raw diamonds or other gemstones. Read on to learn how to get to Crater of Diamonds State Park, what to bring and how to maximize your chance at success.
How to get to crater of diamonds state park
Getting to this diamond-rich state park depends, of course, on your starting point. First, you’ll want to know where Crater of Diamonds State Park is located. This unique diamond state park (the only diamond mine in the U.S., by the way!) is in Murfreesboro, Pike County, Arkansas, about 85 miles southwest of Little Rock and 15 miles north of the Louisiana border. It’s reachable via State Highway 8 and U.S. Highway 70, with Arkansas Highway 301 branching off nearby.
- From the north: If you’re coming from the north, you’d head southwest on Highway 70, then turn south on Highway 301.
- From the south: You’d drive north and connect via Highway 301.
- From the east or west: Depending on your route, you’ll likely pick up Highway 8 or 70 and head toward Murfreesboro.
- If you’re flying: If your visit to Crater of Diamonds State Park requires a commercial flight, the nearest regional airports are Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK), about 70 miles west-northwest, and Clinton National Airport (LIT), around 100 miles northeast. From there, rent a car and follow the state highways to the park.
For detailed directions or to plan alternate routes, the Crater of Diamonds State Park official website is a solid starting point. They offer downloadable maps, GPS coordinates and tips for various access routes.
Crater of Diamonds is the only public diamond park in the U.S. Park tickets can be purchased online or at the gate, making it easy to plan your trip in advance or make a spontaneous, let’s-go-find-a-diamond-today kind of visit.
What to bring on your mining adventure
Before you head to Crater of Diamonds State Park, make sure you’re equipped for a day of digging, sun and discovery.
- Sun Protection: You’re going to be out in an open field—often under direct sun—so pack sunblock, a wide-brimmed hat and lightweight, sun-protective clothing to stay cool and safe.
- Water: Staying hydrated is key, so bring plenty of water (there are refill stations on-site).
- Mining Tools: For digging, you can either bring your own mining tools, like small shovels, buckets, screens or even garden trowels (small handheld tools for digging), or rent or buy equipment from the Diamond Discovery Center at the park. Don’t forget a pair of sturdy gloves and kneepads or a mat to kneel on.
Many visitors also bring a logbook to track what they find, and even a small scale or magnifying glass to examine potential gem discoveries on the spot. Lastly, consider bringing bathing suits and towels, as the state park features the seasonal Diamond Springs Water Park, perfect for cooling down after a day of gem mining!
How to search for diamonds
Diamonds form deep underground under intense heat and pressure. And near the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, ancient volcanic activity has brought them close to the surface, so you don’t need heavy machinery to mine them. Whether you’re a hands-on digger or a casual treasure hunter, there are several ways to search for diamonds, each with its own strategy and tools. Some methods work better after rain, while others are best on dry, sunny days. Here’s a breakdown of the three main techniques used at this one-of-a-kind diamond mine in Arkansas:
Dry sifting
Dry sifting is a popular method for those visiting Crater of Diamonds State Park during hot, dry weather. Using sifting screens, visitors sift through dirt to remove larger rocks and debris, shaking it to reveal any heavier stones that remain (including diamonds)! This technique works well when the soil is dry and crumbly, making it easier to break apart and sift cleanly. While it can be time-consuming, dry sifting is a favorite among families and beginners because it’s simple and doesn’t require water.
Wet sifting
Wet sifting is the park’s most recommended method, especially after a good rain. Using a screen and a water trough (available at Crater of Diamonds State Park), visitors wash away lighter soil and let heavier materials settle in the screen. Diamonds, being dense and shiny, are easier to spot against the background of other minerals. Wet sifting is messier than dry sifting, but it’s also more efficient and increases your chances of spotting something valuable. Crater of Diamonds park staff often recommend wet sifting for first-timers who want a higher success rate.
Surface searching
If digging isn’t your thing, surface searching might be your best bet. This method involves simply walking the plowed search area and scanning the ground for anything that sparkles. After a heavy rain, diamonds can often rise to the surface, making them easier to spot with the naked eye. Surface searching requires no tools at all; just a sharp eye, patience and maybe a bit of luck. It’s an excellent option for visitors who want a more relaxed experience while still having a shot at finding a gem.
What are the chances of finding a diamond?
Let’s be clear: the odds of finding a diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park aren’t in your favor, but they’re real. On average, park visitors find one to two diamonds per day at Crater of Diamonds State Park (among all daily visitors). Over the decades, visitors have unearthed more than 75,000 diamonds in this Arkansas diamond mine.
Many of these finds are small—often tiny crystals or matchhead-sized stones. But occasionally, a gem of significant size gets unearthed. Some of the most famous finds from Crater of Diamonds State Park include:
- Uncle Sam: A 40.23-carat white diamond with a pinkish tint, discovered in 1924 on this land before it became a state park. It remains the largest diamond ever found in the U.S.
- Amarillo Starlight: This 16.37-carat white diamond was found by a Texan visitor in 1975 and cut into a stunning 7.54-carat marquise gem.
- Star of Arkansas: A 15.33-carat white diamond discovered in 1956, later cut into an 8.27-carat gem and named to honor its home state.
- Esperanza: An 8.52-carat icicle-shaped white diamond found in 2015; cut into a flawless museum-quality 4.64-carat “triolette” gem, it was graded D color and Internally Flawless.
- Strawn-Wagner: Discovered in 1990, this 3.03-carat stone was cut into a 1.09-carat gem and earned a perfect “Triple Zero” grade (essentially flawless).
- Kahn Canary: A 4.25-carat natural yellow (canary) diamond found in the 1970s and famously left uncut.
- Recent finds: In 2023, visitors discovered a 3.29-carat and a 4.87-carat diamond.
So yes, diamonds are found at Crater of Diamonds State Park, and every so often, a big one comes along. But for most visitors, a "find" is a small crystal, not a jaw-dropping showpiece.
If you leave the search area empty‑handed, you won’t necessarily go home empty-handed. The park’s gift shop and Diamond Discovery Center sell certified cut and uncut diamonds and other gemstones. That way, you can still take home a genuine Arkansas diamond, even if you didn't dig it yourself!
Protect your diamond jewelry with Jewelers Mutual
If you’re lucky enough to unearth a diamond at Crater of Diamonds State Park—or if you purchase one from the gift shop (or already own one at home!)—consider protecting your valuable gem with insurance. Jewelers Mutual offers specialized jewelry insurance that goes beyond the protection of most homeowners policies. Coverage includes loss, theft, damage and disappearance, giving you confidence no matter where life (or your jewelry) takes you. With personalized policies and a reputation trusted by jewelers for more than 100 years, Jewelers Mutual helps ensure your diamond is protected long after the dig is done. Click below to check your rate.
