United States
Arkansas (AR)
Murfreesboro
Things to Do in Murfreesboro
Crater of Diamonds State Park

Crater of Diamonds State Park, Murfreesboro: Address, Phone Number, Crater of Diamonds State Park Reviews: 4/5

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Crater of Diamonds State Park

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Crater of Diamonds State Park
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#1 of 15 things to do in Murfreesboro
State Parks • Mines
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The only diamond mine in North America open to the public.
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Restaurants
11 within 3 miles
Feed Bin Cafe'
45
2.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Cajun & Creole • Seafood
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65
2.4 mi$ • Dessert • American
Southern Dine
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2.4 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Diner • Vegetarian Friendly
The Crusted Loaf
1
2.3 mi
Simple Simon's Pizza
8
2.4 miPizza
Telinga's Mexican Restaurant
623
2.9 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican • Southwestern • Vegetarian Friendly
The Boro Fun Center
10
2.5 miPizza • Cafe
Sonic Drive-In
67
2.8 mi$ • American • Fast Food
Pizza Inn
21
2.8 miPizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Baskin-Robbins
3
2.8 mi
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Attractions
9 within 6 miles
Diamond Springs Water Park
4
0 ftWater Parks
Ka Do Ha Indian Village
190
Speciality Museums
Town Square Gallery
9
2.3 miArt Galleries
Caddo Antiques Gifts and More
8
2.3 miAntique Shops
Crater Diamond Classics
3
2.5 miState Parks • Parks
Gypsy Underground Flea Market
4
3 miFlea & Street Markets
First Baptist Church
2.2 miChurches & Cathedrals
Murfreesboro Church Of Christ
2.2 miChurches & Cathedrals
First Christian Church
2.6 miChurches & Cathedrals
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
1,529 reviews
Excellent
647
Very good
544
Average
242
Poor
54
Terrible
42
Kyle J. Sisson
Moundridge, KS114 contributions
An Arkansas Diamond Mine
Solo
The Crater of Diamonds State Park is an exciting place full of rich history and, of course, finding lots of rough diamonds. The State Park is listed as the eighth largest reserve of diamonds in the world according to their website, and this park sets itself apart from anywhere else by allowing visitors to keep any diamonds that they find. Some lucky visitors have even found diamonds worth thousands of dollars.

This post will give you tips about the search area that are based on my firsthand experiences. It will allow you to develop a game plan of possible places to dig, as well as what indicators to look for before taking a trip to the famous Arkansas diamond mine.

So, let’s begin by identifying what type of indicator rocks that are mixed in with ordinary organic soil on the mine field. Minerals, such as Quartz crystals, calcite, magnetite, spinel, garnet, chromite, and diopside will be the main rocks you will want to look for while prospecting for diamonds. These rocks were created in a similar process during the heating and cooling process of the rock cycle.

Search Area Conditions
The park staff plows the search area every now and again to make it easier to dig around in but searching in areas that have more effects of mineral displacement due to mother nature’s natural causes can increase your chances of achieving a diamond discovery day!

The best time to take a trip to the Arkansas diamond fields is after a heavy rainstorm, but keep in mind that you will get muddy during your visit so always wear the appropriate clothes and shoes while out in the search area.

If you choose to dig deep in search for diamonds, I recommend finding a good location by probing for underground gravel deposits first and work that area systematically. The book “How to Find Diamonds” has a great section on locating underground deposits using this method.

The Natural Geology of the Crater of Diamonds
According to local geological surveys, the center of the Kimberlite pipe located at the state park is halfway between the foot wash station located at the entrance of the search area and the north pavilion wash station.

From that location, imagine what a cup of milk looks like when bubbles are created on top of the cup by using a straw and some air. It has different domes extruding from it and has creases where the bubbles formed together. This same concept can be applied to the search area because when the magma cooled off billions of years ago it was left in the shape of the cup with bubbles on top of it
Written February 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Joseph V
Raleigh, NC96 contributions
Fun experience
Family
We had great, mild weather for our visit. We were prepared with snacks and water to keep everyone fueled for the work of digging and sifting. The staff were veery friendly and helpful. All equipment needed is available to rent onsite for a reasonable cost. Would recommend old clothes and shoes because you will get dirty and wet. Would also recommend hand wipes and foldable wagon if you have one. It was a fun new experience for the family, even though we didn’t find any diamonds.
Written April 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Skibear86
21 contributions
Day trip to murfreesboro
Family
We spent the morning looking for diamonds in the crater. I am glad we brought our own shovels and buckets. We flew in to Little Rock and stayed in hot springs. I was able to pack two plastic buckets, 6 ($1 from Walmart) strong shovels, and 1 (also $1) cultivator. We rented two of the screen sets for $50 ($40 refund when you return). You are able to pick anywhere to dig. Some people brought elaborate screens, pick axes, large shovels, and wagons. We found jasper, Calcite, and ash. Nothing of value but the time spent was fun. Seems like a good time to go is right after a plowing of the field. 5 diamonds were found the day before we got there. We also went to Ka Do Ha nearby and they also have a plowed field to look in. We found prettier stuff there (Mainly looking for arrowheads) but it is a much smaller place.
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
US_To_Anywhere
Illinois198 contributions
Hogwash and terrible idea
We were really excited about this opportunity. While our hopes of "finding a diamond" was really low we were thinking of a more fun experience than looking for a needle in a haystack in a very depressed part of the nation.

This seems like more of a economic development activity for this poor community. If you have young kids they are going to be bored in 30 minutes. We talked to a guy who had been doing this diamond mining for over 3 years. He showed us his "best" diamond and it was like $250. He said he was lonely and just came there to kill time and had spent 10 times more in entrance fees alone.

Go if you want to go but keep your hopes low.
Written November 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
JoyBulldog
Columbus, OH164 contributions
Great “clean” fun
Friends
Bring your buckets, shovels, wagon! You might just find a diamond! We didn’t, but we sure had a lot of fun trying. We rented boxes with different size screens (I forget what they’re called). Everyone is friendly and gave us tips to try to find a diamond. Last year, there were 300+ diamonds found here. There are lots of pretty stones even if you don’t find a diamond. From Memorial Day to Labor Day there’s a pool to cool off in. It was $10 a day and you can get tickets about a week in advance. We went 2 days in May, a Friday and a Saturday. On Saturday it was pretty busy, but there was lots of space to spread out. There weren’t very many people on Friday.
Written May 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Allsugaredup
new england155 contributions
Must do at least once
Family
We traveled several hours to visit and had purchased a two day pass. We only used one day of it. As someone said it’s paying to go through someone else’s dirt and very unlikely you will find something. I walked the trails while my husband and child did the digging. Bring food with you as there are only snacks in the gift shop and the tiny food truck doesn’t have anything healthy on the menu.

We heard a lot about this place so I’m glad we did it once but we will not return.
Written June 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Daniel B
Allenstown, NH33 contributions
First mining trip
Friends
Four of us made the trip to the mine and had fun! The rentals were easy to come by and for.four people one kit was enough. Highly recommend doing a surface walk as well in case larger gems are on top. Will be going back!
Written February 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Jha4pres08
Pflugerville, TX43 contributions
Unique Experience but do your research.
This is a very unique experience but, to get the most out of it, you will want spend a little time researching the park. For example, you can beat the morning rush buy visiting the park after 3pm the prior day. Tickets purchased after 3pm are good for the next day.

We were lucky enough to go right after a huge thunderstorm passed through the area. We were unlucky in that it was part of a cold front that took the temperatures into the 40s. Even with our mud boots and coats, it became cold fast as you work in the water troughs to sift the stones from your digs.

My suggestion would be to go to the Crater's website - they have good tips on how to find diamonds but, more importantly, they set your expectations for the site - it is literally a plowed field. Second thing would be to watch some videos of how the process works. They do offer demonstrations on site but the videos can give you that extra edge. Also, call to see what features are opened. We happened to go right as Covid was breaking out and they were not renting equipment. We were lucky as we found this out when we went to get our tickets the night before our dig so we had time to go into town and buy the sifting screens (most shops sell a set of two screens (medium and fine) for about $30).

I was hooked after a little bit but the cold and our desire to hit up another mine closer to Hot Springs had us moving on after about two hours.
Written March 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kirby R
Miami, OK198 contributions
Fun for all ages
Couples
We had a great time digging we didn't find diamonds but we found some pretty rocks. We brought a big umbrella and ice chest and that was perfect because you are in the direct sun. We brought tools to dig with as well. The staff were kind and helpful. Wish they would've had more than 4 handicap parking spots at the park part because we had the inlaws with us. We compromised and dropped them off at the front and went and parked so they didn't have do walk too far. They did have a couple handicap spots at the water park entrance but that was farther away from the park entrance so that didn't help. This is fun for all ages and interesting to try. It really was a neat experience and I would've given 5 stars if they could accommodate handicap parking better.
Written July 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Plattonian
Fort Worth, TX663 contributions
Arkansas biggest tourist trap
Family
Unique idea for a state park: a diamond mine. However this place might be Arkansas biggest tourist trap. We were here during Spring Break, of course full with tons of families. Kids were having fun digging, but for us adults seems more like a place where they are getting your money not only for admission, but for rental equipment. Make sure to bring your own tools. Bring lunch and snacks too.
Written March 13, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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