A Field of Diamonds and More at Crater of Diamonds State Park
In the heart of Arkansas lies a remarkable place – Crater of Diamonds State Park. It’s not just a field of dreams but a field of diamonds, inviting adventurers to seek their own piece of Arkansas history.
Waiting at the doors of the visitor center feels like being part of a modern gold rush. My husband and I purchase our tickets and head outside to rent the necessary equipment – a folding shovel, sifting screens, and buckets. Beyond lies a 37-acre dirt plot, a potential treasure trove of diamonds.
Walking onto the field, it’s overwhelming at first. Handing the buckets and screens, we wonder if we’re in the right spot. Peering at the ground, we hope for that glimmer of a sparkling diamond. Many of the diamonds found here are small, but the stories of those found are countless.
The park has a rich history. It used to be a commercial mining enterprise, but now it’s a state park where visitors can search for their own gems. While the mine resembles a farm more than a former mining site, the promise of diamonds keeps people coming.
Murfreesboro, the town nearby, offers more than just the park. There are hikes, bike trails, a water park, camping, shopping on the town square, and much more. But it’s the diamonds that draw the crowds.
We’re excited and impatient, eager to unearth buried treasure. Comfortable clothing and shoes are a must as we head to the area where the water drains off the field, thinking it might hold the best gems.
Washing our gravel is the fun part. When that flash of blue shows up in our pan, our hearts race, only to be disappointed by a blue plastic bead. But then, we find that tiny green stone and take it to the staff. Is it a diamond? That’s the perennial question in the park.
The staff informs us that it’s leftover volcanic ash. Disappointed, we understand the geological process that brought the diamonds here millions of years ago. The separation of the continental plates triggered volcanic activity, sending diamonds into the air along with volcanic ash. A crater was filled with this precious bounty.
Today, visitors can try their luck at digging. Lucky ones find big sparklers like the French tourist who unearthed a 7.46 carat brown diamond. And even if you don’t dig, surface hunting can yield results. Some of the biggest finds have come from looking at unusual stones.
After the mining companies exhausted the resources, the land became a state park, and the hunt for gems continues to be the main draw. Visitors can take home a bucket of washed gravel to continue the search at home.
The three trails in the park are easy, and the Little Missouri River Trail is even paved for accessibility. The Wildlife Blind Observation Trail offers great views, and the Prospector Trail takes you along picturesque rock outcroppings. In the summer, cool off at the Diamond Springs Water Park.
Murfreesboro’s city square has timeworn brick facades shaded by metal awnings. Hawkins Variety Store is a local favorite since 1943, and Ceramics by Telingas sells authentic Mexican pottery. At Caddo Antiques, Gifts and More and The Old Store, you can find a variety of souvenirs and gifts. The Dino Dig provides a fun spot for kids to dig and take pictures with life-size dinosaurs.
For accommodation, the park offers camping spots, but it’s best to book ahead. The Queen of the Diamonds Inn has a Victorian feel and offers a continental breakfast. The rooms are simple but clean. Diamonds Old West offers a kitschy cabin feel with themed cabins, a grill, fire pit, picnic area, a playground, and a pedal car track.
When it comes to eating, Terri’s Place serves traditional diner favorites for breakfast. In the park, you can find a food truck for lunch. Back in town, the Feed Bin Cafe specializes in Southern cuisine. And at Telinga’s Mexican Restaurant, you can enjoy traditional Tex-Mex dishes in a family atmosphere. Just remember that Pike County is a dry county.
Crater of Diamonds State Park is a place where dreams of diamonds come true, surrounded by the beauty and charm of Murfreesboro. Whether you’re searching for gems, exploring the trails, or simply enjoying the small-town atmosphere, it’s an experience you won’t forget. So, pack your bags and head to this Arkansas wonderland to see if you can find your own piece of the diamondiferous field.
