Arkansas Crater of Diamonds State Park - Murfreesboro AR Crater Diamonds State Park mining

The Arkansas Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro is the only diamond producing site in the world open to the general public. The first documented diamond found here was in 1906 by John Huddleston, who owned the property at the time. Over the next seven decades the property changed hands several times and hosted many failed mining ventures. It became a state park in 1972, but has been open to the public since around 1910.

Many of the buildings and remnants from old mining ventures are still in the park. These include the mine shaft building, guard house, mining plant foundations, old mining equipment, and smaller artifacts. Photography of the buildings is allowed.

The diamonds found here are generally white, brown, and yellow. Usually they are a carat or smaller. Other rocks and minerals found at the park include Lamproite, amethyst, banded agate, jasper, Peridot, garnet, quartz, calcite, barite, and hematite.

Diamonds from the park turn up all over the world. One of the park's shining moments was when Hilary Clinton wore an unpolished yellow diamond ring to then President Bill Clinton's inauguration balls. It is well documented that this diamond was mined in the park.

Inspired guests can mine for their own diamonds at the Arkansas Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro. The tools needed to mine diamonds are very simple and readily available. Visitors have the choice of bringing their own tools or renting them from the gift shop in the visitor's center. The tools needed include a small shovel, wooden box, a screen, a bucket and a trowel. Knee pads are also a good idea. These can be rented from the gift shop for a small fee and deposit.

The hours of the park are a bit complicated, so it is a good idea to call ahead to check the schedule as the hours vary by season. Organized groups wanting to visit the park will find that calling ahead could net a half price discount, depending on the season. It is very cheap to visit and hunt for diamonds, although no promises of discovery are made. The admission price is for the entire day, and visitors can come and go from the park as like on the same entrance fee.

Other park attractions include hiking trails, wildlife observation blind, camping sites, a pavilion, the Kimberlite Cafy Restaurant, and a water park. Most of these attractions, including the restaurant, are seasonally operated. For reservations, hours and group pricing call the visitor's center at (870) 288-3113.