Are diamonds really a girl’s best friend? I’m not sure, but I know it sure is fun to hunt for them. A few months back, Keith and I, along with our daughter and her fiancé, decided to take a day and hunt for diamonds at Crater of the Diamonds State Park in Arkansas. We had never been there before, but we were up for the adventure. I wasn’t sure whether we would actually find anything, but I was willing to try.
We got there early in the morning, and visited the Diamond Discovery Center. The staff were knowledgeable, and took their time to answer our questions. They went through the diamond hunting process, and then we were on our way. Here’s a little of what we learned.
Discover the Thrill of the Hunt
Nestled in the heart of Arkansas, the Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a unique opportunity to search for real diamonds. This 37-acre diamond mine is the only diamond-producing site in the world that is open to the public.
A Diamond in the Rough
The Crater of Diamonds was formed millions of years ago by volcanic activity. The eruption left behind a unique geological formation, rich in minerals, including diamonds. Since its discovery in 1906, the crater has yielded a variety of diamonds, including the 40.23-carat Uncle Sam, one of the largest diamonds ever found in North America.
The Thrill of the Find
When you visit the park you can sift through the plowed fields, searching for diamonds and other gemstones. No experience is necessary; all you need is a sense of adventure and a little luck. The park provides tools and guidance to help you on your diamond-hunting journey.
I seriously was hoping we’d find something, but we did not. It was so much fun to spend some time digging through it all, in the hopes that we would.
Beyond Diamond Hunting
When Keith and I are looking at places to visit we always want something that is interesting, and where we can learn something new. Since we love to camp, we also look for campgrounds in the area that would work for us. Crater of the Diamonds hit both of these and has even more, so it was a no-brainer to put this on our list. Even better…..our sweet Tucker was welcome!
Here are some additional things to do while you are there to do some diamond mining: (Check out the link to their website for specifics)
- Picnicking: Enjoy a picnic lunch under the shade of the trees.
- Hiking: Explore the park’s trails and scenic views.
- Camping: Spend a night under the stars at the park’s campground.
- Diamond Discovery Center: Learn about the history of the crater and the science of diamonds.
I think our visit to Crater of the Diamonds solidified Keith’s “rockhound” status. He loves it! On any given day, in the park where we are camp hosting, you will find him looking at the crystals that have been formed in this area over the years. So, whether you’re a seasoned “rockhound” or a first-time visitor, the Crater of Diamonds State Park offers a truly unique experience. So, grab your tools and start digging for your own diamond treasure!
Are you looking for other great places to visit in Arkansas? Check out our Travel page for more!
