In this U.S. park, the ground yields diamonds: The stone you find stays in your pocket.
Crater of Diamonds State Park in Arkansas, USA, offers visitors an extraordinary experience. In an area of about 15 hectares, those who dig with shovels can take the natural diamonds they uncover from the ground home free of charge. In the park, in 2026, a precious stone over 6 carats was also found.
The Crater of Diamonds State Park, located in Murfreesboro in the state of Arkansas, USA, has become a popular destination for diamond enthusiasts.
The most important feature that sets this park apart from others—where visitors can dig on their own to search for precious stones—is that the diamonds found are left to the people who discover them.
Since its opening, thousands of people have tried their luck at the park, and to date more than 37,000 diamonds have been uncovered.
The Only Public Area Where Natural Diamonds Are Found
Crater of Diamonds is known as the only public area in the world where people can search for natural diamonds formed in a volcanic source.
The search area covers about 15 hectares and sits atop a weathered old volcanic crater. In the region, natural diamonds can be found in shades of white, brown, and yellow.
Those who come to search for diamonds can bring their own paddles and digging equipment or rent the equipment they need from the park management. However, the use of motorized or battery‑powered mining tools is prohibited.
The entrance fee for the park, which can be visited daily between 08:00 and 16:00, is $15 for visitors over 12 years old.
A 6‑carat diamond was found in 2026.
Park records reveal how rich the region is in diamonds. Since 1972, a total of 37,377 diamonds have been found in the area, with roughly 62% of the stones white, 20% brown, and 17% yellow.
The year 2026 also witnessed notable discoveries. In January, a 6.03‑carat yellow diamond was found, and in April, a 3.09‑carat white diamond was discovered.
Another discovery made in August also sparked excitement among the park's visitors.
Barry G. Smith, who arrived from Tennessee with his wife and two grandchildren, discovered a 2.29-carat canary-yellow diamond about half an hour after starting work in the search area.
The stone found in the East Drain area was recorded as the third-largest diamond discovery of 2026.
As September began, the number of diamonds found in the park over the year had risen to 351. For visitors digging in the park, the greatest motivation was not knowing the value of the next stone they would uncover from beneath the ground.
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