The event in this article has already occurred and you can find other great happenings on our events page.

On Monday, April 8, Arkansas will be center stage for the 2024 Great North American Eclipse, and Crater of Diamonds State Park will be one of the state’s premier locations to experience the event. The eclipse will begin at 12:30 p.m. and end at 3:08 p.m., with complete totality from 1:47 p.m. to 1:51 p.m.

Crater of Diamonds State Park expects record visitation on the day of the eclipse and days prior. Arriving prepared will be key to a successful trip. If you plan to travel on eclipse day or the week of, leave earlier than needed and be prepared to sit in traffic and wait in long lines.

Tickets will be verified from your vehicle at the park entrance on April 8. Guests are asked to have tickets ready, either downloaded to a phone or printed, as cell phone service may not be available. A ticket will be required for every person in the vehicle, regardless of age. Ages five and under are free but must be listed in the ticket purchase.

Online admission tickets for April 8 may only be purchased from https://crater-of-diamonds-state-park.ticketleap.com/crater-of-diamonds-mine-admission-eclipse-day/. Beware of scams and fake accounts pretending to sell admission to the Crater of Diamonds. Tickets are non-refundable, non-transferable, and will not be accepted if sold to another party.

After entry on April 8, visitors may travel throughout the park and diamond search area but will not be allowed to reenter once exiting onto Arkansas Highway 301 until after 3 p.m.

Safety before, during and after the eclipse will be a number one priority. With lots of people at the park, it can be easy to get separated from your group. Make sure to communicate with your group and have set meeting locations and times while at the park.

When packing for eclipse day, guests are encouraged to bring snacks, a picnic lunch, and plenty of water for every person in their group. Snacks and drinks will also be available in our Visitor Center while supplies last. Visitors should also bring their own buckets, shovels, wagons, and sifting screens if possible, as rental equipment will likely sell out on April 8 and the days leading up the eclipse.

During totality, the park will fall under a dusk-type darkness. While it will not be pitch black, it will still be dark enough for trips and falls to occur. If you need to move around during the totality of the eclipse, we recommend doing so with caution and being mindful of other visitors.

Remember to use proper eye protection when viewing the eclipse. Solar eclipse glasses will be sold at the Visitor Center while supplies last. These glasses have a special tint that reduces visible light of the partial eclipse to levels that are safe to view. Sunglasses and welding masks with a shade number lower than 12 are not dark enough to protect your eyes from damage.

Due to the popularity of this event and for the safety of all guests and staff, visitation to Crater of Diamonds State Park will be limited on Monday, April 8, and purchase of online admission will be required to enter the park that day. Visitation will not be restricted in the days leading up to or following the eclipse event. Tickets for eclipse day may only be purchased from https://crater-of-diamonds-state-park.ticketleap.com/crater-of-diamonds-mine-admission-eclipse-day/.

Viewing the 2024 Great North American Eclipse from Crater of Diamonds State Park is sure to be unique and exciting event, but there are plentiful opportunities to experience the Crater of Diamonds this year if you can’t be here on April 8! For more information, call Crater of Diamonds State Park at 870-285-3113 or email [email protected]. For more information on activities and lodging in and around Murfreesboro, visit https://www.DigMurfreesboro.com/.