Diamond Discovery Center
On your way to the diamond search area, you’ll first pass through the visitor center. Here, you’ll view the park’s orientation video and learn about the geology of the Crater of Diamonds and why diamonds occur naturally here. You’ll understand that your searching will take place on a 37 ½-acre plowed field, the eroded surface of an ancient volcanic pipe. It’s the world’s eighth largest, diamond-bearing deposit in surface area.
Then, you’ll enter the Diamond Discovery Center. This fascinating interpretive center serves as your gateway to the diamond 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. And, you’ll be introduced to the diamond hunters’ hall of fame, faces of successful diamond prospectors that you might recognize on the search area while you prospect 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 and certified if you find a diamond.
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.