Sher and I had discussed going to the diamond mine in Arkansas for some time. We’d read about this place, and it sure sounded like a fun and adventurous outing. The site is a 95 million year old inactive volcano crater. The first diamonds were discovered in 1906. Various mining enterprises have been attempted over the years. In 1972 the Craters of Diamonds State Park was established.
A small portion of the 37 acres for diamond hunting
We were able to plan a stop at the State Park on one of our trips to Austin to see family. We were of course exicited at the prospect of finding a diamond, or at least some of the other intersting and colorful stones in the park. This park is the only diamond hunting areas open to the public in the world. You keep what you find.
Getting ready to head for the diamond field.
The ground was muddy and slick so we had to watch our footing. The 37 acres open for diamond hunting is plowed about once every month, thus opening up more chances for finds. A fairly large amount of 1 carat plus sized diamonds have been found at the park.
Ready to dig! There is a sign picturing a huge diamond found.
Shed for washing dirt for diamonds and gemstones
We did not find any diamonds, but we did find some nice rocks for our landscaping at home. It was a fun way to spend a couple of hours. We enjoyed seeing some of the gear that others had. Pulled wagons filled with shovels, rakes, buckets and even sieves and screens. These are serious diamond hunters!
Roadtirement 
I’ve always wanted to do this, too. It’s on one of my endless to-do lists. Thanks for sharing!
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Oh my, it is so much fun. When muddy, as it was when we were there, walking is difficult and slippery. At a minimum buy a bucket to keep all your rock samples, you will have several. (You can rent everything you need for small fees) And hope you find a diamond or two! They are found just about every day of one size or another!
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