Where can you find a diamond and keep it? Arkansas! Crater of Diamonds State Park in southwest Arkansas is the only diamond producing site in the world where you can search for diamonds and keep what you find!
My family took a trip down there a few years back and even though we didn't find anything, we still had lots of fun. The kiddos loved digging and playing in the dirt. We went in the Spring and I would suggest that time of year (or Fall) simply because the area that you will be spending the day is just a wide open space with very few, if any, shade trees. You will be searching over the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic crater that over 100 million years ago brought the diamonds to the surface. All in all about 37 acres! This is definitley a one of a kind experience.
Recently, there has been several diamonds found. Over 30 diamonds were found during the month of October, some noteworthy! Some of the finds during this month include two 9 pt diamonds and a 4 pt. You can find a list of the lastest recorded finds here http://www.craterofdiamondsstatepark.com/digging-for-diamonds/recent.aspx. Don't worry if you don't have the tools, you can rent or buy them on site at the store!
Aside from the diamond mine, the park also offers camping, a water park, trails, a wildlife observation blind, interpretive programs and fishing opportunities are located nearby.
So, if you are looking for a unique vacation, this may be it!
