You Can Dig for Diamonds at This Arkansas State Park

"Situated on a former volcanic crater roughly two hours southwest of Little Rock, Arkansas, this 911‑acre state park features a 37‑acre search field where visitors can dig for diamonds and keep whatever they find—the only state park in the U.S. that allows this. The site was first tapped in 1906 when local farmer John Huddleston discovered diamonds, and since then more than 35,000 gems have been unearthed, including the 40‑carat “Uncle Sam,” the largest diamond ever found in the United States. The park’s diamonds are typically white, yellow, or brown, and other common finds include quartz, agate, garnet, and jasper; a recent discovery in May 2025 was a 3.81‑carat brown diamond. Visitors are advised by park superintendent Waymon Cox that hunting shortly after rain is ideal—rain washes away topsoil and reveals heavy rocks and diamonds near the surface. Entry for diamond hunting costs $15 for adults and $7 for children; diggers can bring their own tools or rent shovels, screens, wagons, sarucas and buckets on site, have finds certified by park rangers, and browse the Diamond Discovery Center’s Hall of Fame showcasing notable finds. For those not focused on gem hunting, the park also offers a seasonal water park, miles of hiking trails, excellent dark‑sky stargazing, and a shaded campground with 47 full‑hookup sites, five basic tent sites, and two bathhouses." - Caroline Eubanks Caroline Eubanks Caroline Eubanks is a Lowell Thomas Award-winning travel writer and the author of “This Is My South: The Essential Travel Guide to the Southern States.” Her work has been published by Condé Nast Traveler, Garden & Gun, Architectural Digest, and more. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines