The Crater of Diamonds - Murfreesboro, Arkansas
Posted by: 
Max and 99
N 34° 01.956 W 093° 40.324
15S E 437958 N 3765974
Diamond Digging experience where "Finders Keepers" is the slogan.
Waymark Code: WMC5YQ
Location: Arkansas, United States
Date Posted: 07/29/2011
Views: 15
Crater of Diamonds is located on western Arkansas, near Murfreesboro. This area of Arkansas is south of the Ouachita National Forest. This eroded area from a volcanic pipe 95 million years ago brought the diamonds and other gems to the surface (source: park website)
The field of diamonds is the only diamond producing site in the world where you can keep what you find. Over 25,000 diamonds have been discovered in this 37 acre plowed field.
"Uncle Sam", a white diamond found in 1924 was 40.23 carats uncut. Shovel memorials throughout the park give locations and information on some of the largest diamonds discovered at the park.
Guests can pay to enter the digging field at the park Visitor's Center, which also includes a gift shop and ranger offices. A path from the Visitor's Center leads to the Discovery Center, where guests can rent digging equipment, watch instructional videos, purchase refreshments, and learn about the history of the Crater of Diamonds. A large shaded area is available for eating and resting.
Once you reach the Diamond Field, shade is hard to find. A couple of very small areas are provided for shade (picnic table under a large tree), but digging is not permitted in these areas. Two washing stations do provide shade and benches, and this is where most people sort through the buckets of dirt to find diamonds and other minerals. Instructional signs are posted at the washing stations to remind visitors of the process.
In addition to the main attraction of the Diamond Mine, Crater of Diamonds State Park also offers hundreds of acres of forest for hiking and watching wildlife, a campground, restaurant, and water park.
The cost to dig for diamonds is $7/adults; $4/children 6-12. This is a daily fee, and you can come and go as you please. You are welcome to bring a cooler to the Diamond Field, and can bring in any non-motorized digging equipment. Rental equipment is available at the Discovery Center for a nominal fee plus deposit.
Name of Source Book: 1,000 Places to See Before You Die (U.S.A. and Canada)
Page Location in Source Book: p. 399
Type of Waymark: Experience
Location of Coordinates: Field of Diamonds
Cost of Admission (Parks, Museums, etc.): 7.00 (listed in local currency)
List Available Hours, Dates, Season:
Summer hours for the Diamond Mine and Diamond Discovery Center are 8 a.m. - 8 p.m., but hours vary greatly by season and part of the park, so please check the website for more informaiton.
Official Tourism Website: [Web Link]
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Visit Instructions:
Because of the vastness of many of the "non-localized" sites (Gobi Desert, Great Wall of China), waymark owners are encouraged to allow visits that reflect different perspectives and experiences.
Localized waymark sites (Structures, Landmarks, Businesses) should reflect standard waymarking visit criteria (Logs & photos).