Crater of Diamonds State Park

Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, is a state park centered on a diamond-bearing site that allows the public to search for and keep any gems they find. It is one of the few places in the world where recreational diamond hunting is permitted on open public land.

A plowed, public search field provides hands-on opportunities to hunt for diamonds and other minerals using hand tools and screens; the active search area is routinely worked by park staff to expose fresh material. Park facilities include an identification area and displays of notable finds.

Diamonds have been recovered at the site since the early 20th century and the area operated commercially as a mine before being managed for public recreation. Over time the property transitioned to state management to preserve access for recreational prospecting and interpretation.

The park is located in Murfreesboro in southwest Arkansas and is accessible from regional highways serving Pike County.

• Search rules: The park maintains a public search area of 37.5 acres where visitors may dig, sift, and keep any gems or minerals they find.
• Notable finds: Notable finds from the site include the 40.23-carat "Uncle Sam" diamond; staff and exhibits at the park highlight significant discoveries.

What to See #

• Search Field (public search area): A 37.5-acre plowed search area that the public may enter to hunt for diamonds and other minerals; the field is actively maintained by park staff.
• Diamond Discovery Center: On-site exhibits, visitor center services, and staff who assist with preliminary identification and display information about notable finds.