Crater of Diamonds State Park

Crater of Diamonds State Park

Crater of Diamonds State Park is located in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, which is in the southwestern part of the state. Crater of Diamonds State Park is a 911-acre (369 ha) state park, which features a 37.5-acre (15.2 ha) plowed field, the world's only diamond-bearing site accessible to the public. Diamonds have continuously been discovered in the field since 1906.

In August 1906, John Huddleston found two strange crystals on the surface of his 243-acre (98 ha) farm near Murfreesboro, Arkansas, and soon became known as the first person outside South Africa to find diamonds at their original source. Soon after the first diamond was found, a "diamond rush" created a boomtown atmosphere around Murfreesboro.

Because Arkansas was the first place outside of South Africa where diamonds were found at their original volcanic source, the diamond is now the State Gemstone.

A large diamond symbol has dominated the state flag since 1912. The Arkansas State Quarter, released in 2003, bears a diamond on its face.

Location

Murfreesboro, Pike County
Arkansas, USA

Getting There

Here are some ways to get there depending on your starting location:

If you are coming from the north, take I-30 southbound until you reach Arkadelphia, Arkansas. Then, take exit 78 for US-67 southbound and follow it until you reach Gurdon, Arkansas. From Gurdon, take US-70 westbound until you reach Murfreesboro. Turn right onto Arkansas Highway 301 and follow it until you reach the Crater of Diamonds State Park.

If you are coming from the south, take US-71 northbound until you reach Texarkana, Arkansas. From Texarkana, take US-371 northbound until you reach Nashville, Arkansas. From Nashville, take US-278 eastbound until you reach Murfreesboro. Turn left onto Arkansas Highway 301 and follow it until you reach the Crater of Diamonds State Park.

If you are coming from the west, take US-70 eastbound until you reach Glenwood, Arkansas. From Glenwood, take Arkansas Highway 8 eastbound until you reach Murfreesboro. Turn right onto Arkansas Highway 301 and follow it until you reach the Crater of Diamonds State Park.

If you are coming from the east, take US-79 westbound until you reach Prescott, Arkansas. From Prescott, take US-371 southbound until you reach Murfreesboro. Turn right onto Arkansas Highway 301 and follow it until you reach the Crater of Diamonds State Park.

There is a parking lot available for visitors at Crater of Diamonds State Park.

Nearby Airports

This is a list of primary airports in Arkansas that have scheduled passenger service on commercial airlines.