Diamond Digging

Family panning for gold in a sunny outdoor setting.

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Digging for Diamonds in Arkansas Is a Treasure Hunt Like No Other

In the Ouachitas, families can search for real diamonds where every discovery is yours to keep. Crater of Diamonds State Park turns an ordinary day outdoors into a sparkling adventure.

Crater of Diamonds State Park in Murfreesboro is the only public diamond site in the United States where visitors can dig for gems and take home what they find. The 37-acre search area sits atop an ancient volcanic crater that has produced diamonds of every size and shade, including the Uncle Sam Diamond — a 40.23-carat crystal found in 1924 that remains the largest diamond ever discovered in the country and is now part of the Smithsonian collection.

Families come here for the thrill of discovery and the joy of searching together. Park staff at the Diamond Discovery Center offer tips on identifying gems and provide free evaluations of every stone. Visitors can rent tools, explore interactive exhibits and learn about other minerals like amethyst, quartz and jasper. After a day in the field, campers can unwind at the park’s shaded campsites or cool off at Diamond Springs Water Park. Whether or not a diamond is found, the experience always shines.