Little Missouri River Trail

Length: 1.2 miles

Time: 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Description: The trail winds its way through the woods from the campground to the scenic Little Missouri River. The trail then loops back through the forest to the trailhead. This trail provides a relaxing one hour hike over level terrain. Half of the trail has paved barrier-free access, and is the longest wheelchair accessible trail in southwest Arkansas. The unpaved left-hand section of the trail is easily walked.

Location: Two miles southeast of Murfreesboro on Hwy. 301

Prospector Trail

Length: 1.2 miles

Time: 3/4 to 1 hour

Difficulty: Easy

Description: This easily traversed trail offers visitors a first-hand view of the park's unique geological features. The rock outcroppings along the west side of the trail are uncommon for this geographical area.

Location: Two miles southeast of Murfreesboro on Hwy. 301

Wildlife Observation Blind Trail

Length: .2 mile

Time: 15 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Description: This short and easily traversed trail leads visitors to a wildlife observation blind. Whitetail deer, gray squirrels, armadillos, numerous bird species, and other wildlife may be observed from the blind

Location: 2 miles southeast of Murfreesboro on Hwy. 301

Park interpreters present programs on a regular basis throughout the year. From Memorial Day through Labor Day, programs such as diamond mining demonstrations, rock hound hikes, and history walks may be offered during the day; evening nature programs may also be offered. Children ages 6-12 are invited to participate in the summer children's program series, "Crater Minors," which offers different fun, hands-on programs each week.

"Diamond Mining How-To" videos are available throughout the year.

Advance arrangements for special programs for bus tours, schools, and other groups can be made with an interpreter.

Mining

The park features a 37 1/2-acre field of diamond bearing soil plowed approximately once a month when weather allows. Historic structures, old mining equipment, washing pavilions, and sun shelters are located on the field. Rock and mineral identification is provided at the Diamond Discovery Center.

Diamond Springs Water Park

A 14,700 sq. ft. mining-themed aquatic playground opened at the park in the summer of 2004. The facility features a 4,166 sq. ft. wading pool with spray geysers, sprayers, water jets, animated waterspouts, cascades, two water slides and waterfall hideaways along with a spacious deck and pool furniture.

Diamond Springs's 2009 hours of operation are: Open daily May 23 through August 15 from 12 noon to 6:00 p.m., and open weekends only during August 16 through September 7. The water playground will only be open from 12:00 noon to 5:00 p.m. on Labor Day. Admission to this facility is for persons 42 inches or more in height; for persons less than 42 inches in height. Children under age 2 are admitted free, limited to three children per paying adult. Non-swimmers entering the water park are required to purchase a chaperone wrist ticket. A 20-admissions' special pass can be purchased. Children ages 10 and under must be accompanied by an adult age 18 or older.

The water playground may be rented for private pool parties after normal closing hours (no rental after dark). The park will furnish lifeguards. Minimum rental will be for two hours and per swimmer for groups over 20 persons. Rates vary according to size of the party. To receive a refund in the event of a cancellation, you must contact the park at least seven days in advance of the scheduled event's date. Contact the park for more information on group rentals.

Diamond Discovery Center

At the Crater of Diamonds State State, you will dig for diamonds in a 37 1/2-acre plowed field, the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic pipe. This is the eighth largest,diamond-bearing deposit in the world surface area.

You'll pass through the park's Diamond Discovery Center on your way to the diamond search area. This fascinating interpretive center serves as your gateway to the search area by offering an in-depth introduction to the unique adventure of searching for diamonds. Tour the exhibits. Visit with the park interpretive staff. Here, you'll learn to recognize diamonds in the rough. You'll be taught the three different search methods used here at the Crater of Diamonds. And, you'll be introduced to the diamond hunters' hall of fame featuring photographs of the faces of successful diamond prospectors that you might recognize on the search area while you hunt for diamonds here, too.

Watch the on-demand 'Diamond Hunting 101' video or one of the diamond searching demonstrations by a park interpreter.

In this building you'll rent the digging tools and screens for your diamond prospecting. And, here is where you will return later to have your material identified by a park staff member. If you've found a diamond, it will be certified, too.

Along with the exhibit gallery, this two-level, barrier-free building includes vending machines and restrooms/changing rooms for the adjacent Diamond Springs water playground. The upper level features a 1,600-square-foot classroom where the park gift shop is located temporarily while the park visitor center is under renovation in 2009.