Crater of Diamonds State Park

Photo provided by Photo Courtesy Arkansas Department of Parks and Tourism

Visit Crater of Diamonds State Park

Activities

Murfreesboro travel guide

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 Center. 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 Labor 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.

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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.

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.

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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.

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.

Top Crater of Diamonds State Park Hotel Deals

Little Shamrock Motel

919 North Washington Avenue, Murfreesboro, AR

Yellow Diamond Inn

705 N Washington St, Murfreesboro, AR

Diamonds Old West

2097 AR-19, Murfreesboro, AR

Rodeway Inn

1105 S 4th St, Nashville, AR

Southern Belle Inn

1757 S 4th St, Nashville, AR

See all 254 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 friendly hikes through beautiful landscapes, engage in thrilling ATV riding, and explore the stunning natural surroundings. This unique park offers a chance to experience nature while searching for precious gems, making it an unforgettable adventure for tourists seeking both excitement and serenity in the great outdoors.

Shopping

At Crater of Diamonds State Park, you can enjoy local shops for unique souvenirs. If you're up for a drive, the Expo Shopping Center, 40.2km away, offers a vibrant mix of family-friendly stores and businesses, perfect for finding gifts to remember your trip.

Recreation

At Narrows Dam Public Use Area, enjoy serene walks and picnics amidst nature's beauty, only 14.5km from the park. Glenwood Country Club, 37.0km away, offers a challenging golf course set in picturesque landscapes. Parker Creek Recreation Area, 16.1km from the park, is ideal for relaxation and outdoor activities.

Adventure

Experience the thrill of diamond hunting at Crater of Diamonds State Park, where you can search for real diamonds in the only public diamond site in the world. Enjoy picnicking in the beautiful surroundings and explore the visitor centre to learn about the park's fascinating geology.

Nightlife

While Crater of Diamonds State Park is renowned for its daytime gem hunting, nearby Murfreesboro offers cosy pubs like the Diamond Bistro, where you can unwind with local brews, and the Murfreesboro Sports Bar, perfect for lively evenings filled with games and friendly chatter.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Crater of Diamonds State Park

Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, offers a unique outdoor experience for families and eco-friendly travellers alike. Visitors can explore the park, enjoy the nearby lake, and search for real diamonds within the park grounds. With its stunning natural beauty and engaging activities, this destination is perfect for those seeking adventure and a touch of excitement in their holiday itinerary.

Ka Do Ha Indian Village: Located 6.4km from Crater of Diamonds State Park, this archaeological site offers a glimpse into the rich Native American heritage of the region. Visitors can explore reconstructed village structures and learn about the culture and traditions of the Indigenous peoples, immersing themselves in a unique cultural experience.
Pike County Court House: Situated 3.2km away, this historic civic building showcases stunning architecture and offers insight into the local governance and history. Guided tours are available, allowing visitors to appreciate its significance and the vibrant community it serves.
Lake Greeson: About 16.1km from the park, this picturesque lake is perfect for outdoor activities. Enjoy the scenic beauty, relax on the beach, or partake in romantic picnics by the water's edge, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers.

Best time to go to Crater of Diamonds State Park

The best time to visit Crater of Diamonds State Park is dependent 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.

Calendar Month	Temperature	Precipitation	Cloudiness	Occupancy	Pricing
January	42.4°F (5.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low
February	45.7°F (7.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly Low
March	54.5°F (12.5°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
April	61.7°F (16.5°C)	Moderate Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
May	70.3°F (21.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
June	79.3°F (26.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Slightly High
July	82.4°F (28.0°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Slightly High
August	81.7°F (27.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately High	Average
September	75.7°F (24.3°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
October	64.6°F (18.1°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Average	Average
November	52.9°F (11.6°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Average
December	46.0°F (7.8°C)	Light Rain	Mostly Sunny	Moderately Low	Slightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Crater of Diamonds State Park

To save money on your trip to Crater of Diamonds State Park, consider visiting between December and February when accommodation prices are lower. Book your stay on a Tuesday for the best rates, avoiding the more expensive Saturdays. Use Expedia to search for budget-friendly hotels, and sort results from lowest to highest price. Look for package deals that combine flights, accommodation, and activities for additional savings. Additionally, explore free activities in the park to enhance your experience without breaking the bank.

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 April and June to July, 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: Utilise the search tool on Expedia to refine your preferences, such as budget, desired location, and the type of hotel you prefer. To discover the most affordable prices and offers, arrange the price filter from lowest to highest.
Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially save money by combining your hotel reservation at Crater of Diamonds State Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

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Ka Do Ha Indian Village

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