Explore Arkansas: Crater of Diamonds State Park

Arkansas' Crater of Diamonds State Park consists of almost 40 acres of plowed fields that are the diamond bearing, eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater. If you stop by this famous park, you can dig for your some diamonds of your own. First, you'll need to learn how to discover your jewels (which are yours to keep should you find one.) There are no Tiffany's boxes buried out here. Instead, stop by the visitor's center so you can see what diamonds in the rough look like. Interpretive programs and videos will show you how to begin your diamond search. A diamond can be white, brown, yellow, and any other color of the rainbow. You may also come across other precious and beautiful stones, such as garnet, quartz, amethyst, and agate. If you don't have your own diamond digging tools, you can rent them at the Arkansas State Park.

Diamonds, Diamonds and More Diamonds in Arkansas. Over 75,000 diamonds have been discovered here in Arkansas since the early 1900's, with over 27,000 found by visitors just like you. The 40-carat Uncle Sam Diamond was found here in 1924, the largest diamond ever found in the United States. The Strawn-Wagner Diamond was also found in this Arkansas state park, a flawless diamond so perfect that most gemologists will never see one like it in their lives (unless they come here, of course.) It is graded Triple Zero, the highest grade a diamond can be given. You can stop by to see the Strawn-Wagner Diamond at the Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas for some inspiration before starting your own diamond hunt, where it is on permanent display. Other notable diamonds found here include the 4-carat Kahn Canary Diamond, which was worn by none other than Arkansas' First Lady, Hillary Clinton, at both of her husband's Inaugural Balls, as well as the Amarillo Starlight diamond, weighing in at over 16-carats. The Amarillo Starlight Diamond was found at Crater of Diamonds State Park in 1975, followed closely in 1981 by the unearthing of the Schall Diamond and the Newman Diamond, both over six carats.

Other Fun. There are also over 45 Class AAA campsites, picnic areas, trails, a gift shop, and the Diamond Springs aquatic playground here. You can fish at Crater of Diamonds State Park, or visit their entrancing Wildlife Observation Blind, where you may see deer, wild turkeys, and lots of other native Arkansas wildlife. Admission is $7 for adults, $4 for children six to twelve, and groups of fifteen or more pay only half the fees if they give advance notice of their arrival!

So what are you waiting for? Grab your shovel and head on out to the Crater of Diamonds Park. You never know what you might find! For more information click here, or call 870-285-3113.

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Personal experience

www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com