This Lesser-known U.S. State Park Lets You Hunt for Diamonds in a Volcanic Crater — and You Can Keep What You Find

"Near the town of Murfreesboro, I visited Crater of Diamonds State Park, one of the world’s only diamond-bearing sites open to the public; since its founding in 1972 visitors have unearthed over 35,000 diamonds and the park follows a strict “finders, keepers” policy so anything you find is yours to keep. The 911-acre park centers on a 37.5-acre eroded volcanic crater gem field where diamonds (which can be white, yellow, or brown) and other minerals such as amethysts, jasper, agate, quartz, and garnets are often found; you can use personal tools or rent shovels, buckets, and box screens on-site. Notable finds here include the 16.37-carat “Amarillo Starlight,” the 15.33-carat “Star of Arkansas,” the 8.52-carat “Esperanza,” and the largest U.S. diamond, the 40.23-carat “Uncle Sam.” Beyond digging, I explored walking trails, used campground facilities (five walk-in tent sites and 47 RV-friendly campsites with water, electricity, and bathrooms), and noted that searching the field costs $13 for adults and $6 for children, with equipment rentals at $5 each." - Evie Carrick Evie Carrick Evie Carrick is a writer and editor who’s lived in five countries and visited well over 50. She now splits her time between Colorado and Paris, ensuring she doesn't have to live without skiing or L'As du Fallafel. Travel + Leisure Editorial Guidelines