Start your adventure at the Welcome Center by getting information about the site and the tools to search for diamonds. Watch a short video on the history and geology of the crater before heading to explore the diamond field on your own.
Put your diamond hunting knowledge to the test in the vibrant 37-acre diamond field. You can bring personal tools such as shovels, hoes or rent them from the mine store. Search through the plowed soil and gravel with patience and a little bit of luck, you may discover a valuable gem.
Take a break and relax at the picnic area that has plenty of shaded tables and benches. Enjoy your packed lunch while admiring the natural beauty of the surroundings.
Try another method of searching for Diamonds at the sluice. Wash the dirt from different mining areas to find colorful gems, rocks and minerals exposed by rain and wind. The sluice can be a fun and educational experience for adults and kids alike.
End your adventure at the mine store where you can buy souvenirs, mining equipment or have your finds checked for free by a park worker who will tell you its value, history and more about diamonds.
There is no public transportation to the park, so the best option is to use a personal car or rent one. It takes about 2 hours to drive from Little Rock to Crater of Diamonds State Park, but the scenic views make the drive enjoyable.
If you have more time, consider taking a walk through the park's interpretive trail or visiting the water park, which offers aquatic activities such as kayaking and fishing. However, if you have less time, you may skip the sluicing and go straight to the mine store to buy souvenirs and ask the staff to check your gems.
The nearest airport to Crater of Diamonds State Park is Texarkana Regional Airport (TXK), which is 75 miles away. The next closest airport is Bill and Hillary Clinton National Airport (LIT) in Little Rock, which is 120 miles away.