Crater of Diamonds Newsletter

Spring Break is in full swing at the Crater, so I thought that I would answer some of our Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Can I bring my dog to the Crater? Yes, we do allow pets out on the diamond search area. They need to be on a leash under the control of their owner at all times. The owners will also need to dispose properly of any deposits that they might make—we provide plastic bags for this purpose. The only place that we have a no pets rule is in our gift shop.

Am I allowed to smoke out on the search area? Yes, you are allowed to smoke anywhere out on the search area except in the North and South Wash Pavilions. Even though these areas are open air, because people who are using the pavilions are so close together, we have made them no smoking areas. The upper deck area of the Diamond Discovery Center (DDC) is also a “no smoking” zone. As you walk along the sidewalk into the DDC you may notice a red line on the sidewalk. That is the place where you need to put out your cigarettes. Also, as you walk out of the DDC to the diamond search area, you cannot light up until after you have crossed the red line on the sidewalk. One other reminder, cigarette butts are considered as litter, so they need to be put in a trash receptacle, and not just dropped on the ground.

Can I bring coolers and wagons out on the search area? Yes, you can as long as the coolers, strollers, and wagons can fit through a regular-sized doorway, and they are not motorized. We do allow motorized chairs out on the search area, but they must be used by a person who is legally disabled.

Do you offer group rates? Yes, we offer group rates for officially recognized groups like school classes, Girl and Boy Scout troops, church groups, and senior citizen clubs. We often are asked if we offer group rates to families who are holding reunions, or friends that come as a group. Unfortunately, we are not able to offer the group rate unless you are affiliated with some organization. If you are representing a group and want to make a group reservation, please call us to make arrangements at least one week before your arrival. Either Margi or Waymon can schedule your group if you call 870/285-3116, or you can send us email requests at margaret.jenks@arkansas.gov or waymon.cox@arkansas.gov.

If I find a diamond, where can I sell it? We do not buy diamonds here at the Crater. We will weigh and certify your find, so that you have a card certifying that you are the owner of a genuine Crater diamond. If you want to sell your diamond, several stores in Murfreesboro or nearby Nashville do buy the Crater diamonds that are found by our visitors. We are happy to give you directions and phone numbers to these businesses.

What are the rules about digging a hole? You are allowed to dig holes, but the rules require that you must fill them back up completely to the top with dirt by the end of your mining day. Filling the holes back in will help with other visitor's safety out on the field, especially small children. This rule covers most of the the shallow holes that our visitors dig. However, if you decide to dig a deeper holes, our rules state that the hole side must be sloped back. The ratio is that sides of the hole need to go out for 1.5' for every 1' of depth. Therefore, a four foot deep hole must have a 12' diameter at the top of the ground. Also, you are not allowed to bring and use ladders, but instead must cut steps into the dirt on one of the hole's sides. Finally, please help us preserve our trees. Our rules state that no one is allowed to dig inside a 15' radius of the trunk of the tree.

I hope that these questions have helped you to plan your trip to the Crater of Diamonds. If you have something else to ask, please contact us here at the Crater by phone or email, and we will be happy to supply the answers.

March 11 - David Anderson, Kent City, MI, 31 pt. white; Benjamin Adcock, West Plains, MO, 7 pt. yellow; Shelby Ward, Puxico, MO, 1.13 ct. white

March 14 - Kenny and Melissa Oliver, Rosston, AR, 1 pt. white, 2 pt. white, 4 pt. white, 4 pt. white, 18 pt. white; Rickey and Rebecca Keeton, Delight, AR, 5 pt. white, 9 pt. white; David Jay, Denison, TX, 53 pt. white; Aletrice Hughes, Columbus, MS, 16 pt. white

March 17 - Jeremy Richardt, Jonesville, WI, 13 pt. yellow; Alex Hart, Tupelo, MS, 17 pt. white

March 18 - Denise Laudeman, Midland, MI, 26 pt. white; Vena Chapmond, Hot Springs, AR, 10 pt. white

March 20 - Gale Dunlap, Pearland, TX, 4 pt. white; Melissa Shivers, Waxahachie, TX, 28 pt. brown; Scott Oliver, Texarkana, TX, 2 pt. white