Find hidden gems (literally!) in Murfreesboro, Arkansas

Finders, keepers … for diamonds! At Crater of Diamonds State Park, two hours from Little Rock in Murfreesboro, Arkansas, you can dig for diamonds and keep all the gems you find. Situated on a 37-acre plowed field that tops an ancient volcanic pipe producing precious gems and minerals, the park is the only place in the world where you can search and keep all your found treasure.

Beyond diamonds, you might turn up amethyst, garnet, or quartz (among other gems) in your search. More than 40 types of precious stones have been found to date. The largest diamond on record was a 16.37-carat behemoth, unearthed in 1975. In the 30-plus years Crater has been a state park, more than 25,000 diamonds have been found. The most recent notable discovery took place in the spring of 2007, when a teenager found a 2.93-carat diamond during a family vacation.

Admission to the park is $6.50 for adults and $3.50 for children ages six to 12. You may bring your own tools for digging or you can rent or purchase tools on-site. A “basic diamond hunting kit” including a folding shovel, screen set, and bucket rents for $7.75.

For more resources to plan your diamond-hunting trip, visit the Crater of Diamonds State Park website or the Arkansas Tourism website.

Read more of the 50 Affordable Stateside Escapes.

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