Crater of Diamonds State Park
Arkansas is a one-of-a-kind state, and it has also been blessed with one-of-a-kind recreation spots. The Arkansas Crater of Diamonds State Park is one such spot. It is a completely unique geological wonder and makes for an exciting trip.
Digging for diamonds
What makes the Crater of Diamonds state park so unique is the fact that anyone can search for diamonds and other precious stones like jasper, peridot, garnet, quartz, calcite, amethyst and barite. The best part, however, is that the park follows a 'finders keepers' policy and so you can keep your findings without any fee. The staff even help you identify the stone you find for free. Several notable finds, such as the Uncle Sam (the largest diamond found in North America, weighing at 40.23 carats) and Aramillo Starlight have been made in the park, and new diamonds are found every day!
History
The Crater of Diamonds state park has had many different owners and managers through the years. Diamonds were first discovered by a local farmer named John Wesley Huddleston. After that, the ownership changed hands through many farmers and private investors until the State bought it in 1972 for $750,000. The park still has many remnants of North America's first diamond rush, including the Mine Shaft Building, the Guard House, mining plant foundations and old mining equipment.
Other amenities
Besides providing visitors with a unique opportunity to find a diamond, the Crater of Diamonds state park also offers other amenities. An information center and a gift shop welcome visitors to the park and familiarize them with the process. A tree-shaded campground is also available where different classes of camping sites are located. Kimberlite's Cafe is also open through the day and offers a breakfast and lunch menu. The best place to cool off after a day of diamond prospecting is the Diamond Springs Water Park. It features water jets, animated waterspouts, cascades, two water slides and waterfall hideaways.
The Crater of Diamonds state park is the perfect place to spend a family day trip. There is a huge range of amenities on offer and the exhilarating feeling of finding one's own diamond is priceless.