
One of Arkansas' most unique attractions, Crater of Diamonds State Park, is located in Murfreesboro. It is the only diamond-producing site in the world where the public can search for diamonds and keep what they find. Perfect for adventurers and families alike, this 37.5-acre park offers a one-of-a-kind experience digging for diamonds, semi-precious stones, and other treasures. Visitors flock to this state park in search of treasure. Inspired by our family’s adventure—, this guide will help you prepare for your first trip.

Our Family’s Adventure at Crater of Diamonds
Our family of nine, spanning three generations, recently made the trip to Crater of Diamonds State Park in the summer. With parents, grandparents, an uncle, and four kids aged 6 to 12, it was an unforgettable adventure.

My daughters were so excited about this trip, that they designed t-shirts for our adventure. We purchased affordable solid-colored tees and they painted one for each member of our family with a "map" marking the treasure on the front and a nickname (The Digger, The Rockhound, The Navigator, The Investigator, etc) on the back.
Before our trip, we read books about Arkansas, diamonds, and geology. We knew that many guests to the park leave without diamonds (spoiler alert: we didn't find any diamonds either), but the adventure was still great fun. We did find quartz, jasper, and other small gems. This was one of our family's most memorable getaways.
Best Time of Year to Visit Crater of Diamonds State Park
Crater of Diamonds State Park is open year-round, but the best times to visit are spring and fall. These seasons offer mild weather, making it more comfortable to dig and sift for diamonds in the outdoor field. Our family visited in July and the summer heat was intense. It was hot and humid, so we came prepared with sunscreen and plenty of water. Winter visits are less crowded and ideal for those who prefer cooler temperatures. The digging field is acres of open land without shade, so keep that in mind as you choose when to visit.

What to Bring for Your Visit
To make the most of your first trip to Crater of Diamonds State Park, come prepared with the following items:
Digging tools: Bring a small shovel, hand trowel, or garden rake. Tools are also available for rent at the park if you don’t have your own.
Buckets or containers: You’ll need something to collect and transport rocks and soil. We used 10-gallon paint buckets.
Sifting screens: Screens are crucial for separating diamonds and gemstones from dirt. You can bring your own or rent them on-site.
Clothing and footwear: Wear comfortable clothes and sturdy shoes that can get dirty. Waterproof rain boots are a good choice if you plan to use the water tables.
Work or Gardening Gloves: We purchased gardening gloves at the dollar store.
Sunscreen and hat: The digging area is fully exposed without any shade. Sunscreen and hats are essential.
Plenty of water and snacks: Stay hydrated and energized throughout the day. We packed a picnic lunch, refillable water bottles, and a water cooler for refills.
A Wagon: We brought our foldable travel wagon to transport our tools and gear.
A change of clothes: You may get muddy, so bring something clean to wear on the ride home.

How to Prepare for Diamond Digging
Before heading to the park, familiarize yourself with the diamond-digging process:
Research the area: Learn what raw diamonds look like, as they often resemble small, shiny pebbles. The visitors center offers instructions, signs, and tips, Park Rangers help identify your finds. Even if you don't find a diamond, you may find other interesting rocks.
Arrive early: The park opens at 8:00 a.m., and arriving early gives you the best chance to find diamonds before the area gets crowded.
Check the weather: Rain often makes it easier to spot diamonds on the surface, so don’t shy away from visiting after a storm.
What to Expect at Crater of Diamonds State Park
The diamond search area is a large plowed field where visitors can dig, sift, or simply walk and scan for diamonds. Each year, hundreds of diamonds are discovered, with notable finds including white, brown, and yellow diamonds. In addition to diamonds, visitors can also find amethyst, garnet, jasper, and other stones. You can read about Crater of Diamonds' Most Famous Finds here.
The Diamond-Hunting Process
There are three main methods for searching for diamonds at Crater of Diamonds State Park:

1. Surface Searching
For beginners, surface searching is a simple method that involves walking through the field and looking for diamonds lying on the ground. This is easiest after rainfall when diamonds are more likely to be exposed. Grandparents and adults loved this low-key method while keeping an eye on the kids.

2. Dry Sifting
Use a sifting screen to separate rocks and soil. Pour dirt into the screen and shake it to sift out smaller particles, leaving behind larger rocks and potentially diamonds. Quartz, amethyst, jasper, and more. This was a favorite method for our girls.

3. Wet Sifting
Wet sifting is the most effective method and involves using water tables to wash away dirt and reveal diamonds and gemstones. We met hobbyists who use this method regularly as their favorite strategy for finding treasure. The park provides access to water stations for this purpose, making it easier to sort through large amounts of soil. This was a favorite for our family. We appreciated the shade, the chance to cool off a bit in the water and sift for treasure.

Tips for a Successful Trip
Be patient: Finding diamonds requires time and patience. Most visitors do not leave with diamonds, but they do find other rocks and gems.
Talk to the staff: Park rangers and employees are experts and many are trained geologists. We learned a lot listening to their advice. They offer tips on where to search, how to identify diamonds, as well as the history of the park.
Enjoy the experience: Our family enjoyed the adventure and the memories we made. We learned a lot and had fun.

Additional Amenities at Crater of Diamonds State Park
After a day of digging, enjoy other features the park has to offer:
A picnic area with shaded tables—perfect for our family lunch break
A gift shop with souvenirs and information about the park’s history
Diamond Springs Water Park (seasonal) for cooling off in the summer—great for kids needing to burn off extra energy
Driving Distances to Crater of Diamonds State Park
Wondering how far Crater of Diamonds State Park is from your location? Here’s a breakdown of approximate driving times from nearby cities:
Little Rock, AR: 1 hour 45 minutes (115 miles)
Memphis, TN: 3 hours 30 minutes (215 miles)
Oklahoma City, OK: 4 hours 30 minutes (290 miles)
Tulsa, OK: 4 hours (240 miles)
St. Louis, MO: 6 hours (375 miles)
Kansas City, MO: 6 hours 30 minutes (430 miles)
Nashville, TN: 7 hours (470 miles)
Conclusion
A visit to Crater of Diamonds State Park is a truly unique experience. This Arkansas Hidden Gem is perfect for adventurers, families, and treasure hunters alike. Plan your trip today and see if you can strike diamond-hunting gold in this one-of-a-kind Arkansas destination.

Looks like a great place to visit.
This sounds so fun! I love the DIY shirts too, so cute!!
I love Arkansas! I think the whole state is really underrated, not just this park! I think this would really fun and entertaining to do with children. Not only is it active, but it's educational too.
We have never been to Arkansas, but Crater of Diamonds State Park looks like real fun for the whole family. I loved your photos too.
While most people don't find diamonds, I'd be more than happy to find one of the other stones. And, great tips, the wagon to bring all of the gear is genius!