Murfreesboro, Arkansas isn’t where most would expect to strike it rich, but at Crater of Diamonds State Park, visitors are doing exactly that—unearthing valuable gems worth thousands of dollars and taking them home, no questions asked. This 37-acre plowed field atop an eroded volcanic crater has become the site of modern-day treasure hunting, drawing diamond enthusiasts from across the globe.
What makes this park extraordinary isn’t just the presence of diamonds but the park’s “finders keepers” policy. Unlike anywhere else in the world, visitors here can search through the original volcanic source of diamonds and legally pocket whatever precious stones they discover. The policy has transformed an otherwise quiet corner of the Ouachita Mountains into a destination for modern-day prospectors.
Recent discoveries have only fueled the diamond fever. This April, one lucky visitor uncovered the “Duke Diamond,” a gleaming 3.81-carat brown diamond, after a particularly rainy day washed away the topsoil. In 2013, a teenager’s casual visit resulted in finding a 3.85-carat canary diamond later valued at up to $60,000—not bad for a $15 admission fee. Talk about return on investment—where else can your teenager’s notorious ability to dig in the dirt actually pay for their college tuition?
If you’re planning a diamond-hunting expedition, timing matters. Park officials recommend visiting in spring (March-May) or fall (September-November) when moderate temperatures make digging more comfortable. However, the real secret is to arrive after heavy rainfall, when diamonds—heavier than surrounding soil—often get exposed as rain washes away dirt.
“The field is regularly plowed to bring new diamonds to the surface,” explains the park’s Diamond Discovery Center, where daily demonstrations teach visitors effective searching techniques. The center recommends three main approaches: surface searching (walking up and down the rows looking for gems), dry sifting (using screens to sift material), or wet sifting (washing soil through screens at water stations). Watch visitors long enough and you’ll notice the “diamond stance”—hunched over, squinting intensely at every shiny speck, convinced that each piece of quartz is about to fund their early retirement.
While diamond hunters at Crater of Diamonds State Park eagerly scoop up natural treasures, environmentally-minded visitors elsewhere are using smartphones to document less desirable finds through The 5 Gyres Institute’s Plastic-Free Parks TrashBlitz project, which has revealed that a staggering 75% of collected waste in national parks is plastic, frequently bearing logos of major brands like Coca-Cola and Pepsi.
Beyond the lure of diamonds, the park offers a complete outdoor experience. Visitors can cool off at Diamond Springs Water Park during summer months or explore nearby trails. For those wanting to extend their treasure hunt, the park features 47 campsites with full hookups, allowing diamond seekers to maximize their chances across multiple days.
Located about two hours from Little Rock, the park sits within day-trip distance of Hot Springs National Park and other Arkansas attractions. Local businesses in Murfreesboro have embraced the diamond tourism, offering specialized equipment rentals and accommodation packages for serious hunters.
While diamonds get top billing, they’re not the only treasures hiding in the dirt. Visitors regularly find amethyst, garnet, jasper, and more than 40 other minerals throughout the search area. Park staff provide free identification of any minerals discovered, adding an educational component to the adventure.
For first-timers, park rangers suggest bringing basic supplies: a shovel, bucket, gloves, kneeling pad, and something for shade. If you forget your gear, the park offers rental kits starting at $12. Each visitor is allowed to take home one five-gallon bucket of sifted gravel per day, meaning the treasure hunt can continue even after you leave.
The unique combination of natural beauty, geological rarity, and the thrill of potential discovery has created a destination unlike any other in North America. Whether you strike it rich or simply enjoy the satisfaction of digging in the earth, Crater of Diamonds State Park delivers an experience as multifaceted as the gems hidden within its soil. Before loading up your car with shovels and dreams of diamond riches, check the weather forecast—your best chance at unearthing that life-changing gem might just be a downpour away.
