Crater of Diamonds State Park makes an unusual activity its main attraction: it is the only place in the world where the public can search for natural diamonds in their original volcanic source. The search area covers 37 acres and is a plowed field on the eroded surface of a volcanic crater. At the Diamond Discovery Center, visitors can learn more about the rocks and minerals found in the park, as well as three recommended diamond-hunting techniques. The field and center offer different perspectives on the same subject: the search itself and its geological context.
Water, trails, and wildlife habitats
Lake Greeson is about 12 miles long and covers 7,260 acres of water. The wooded shoreline offers opportunities for hiking, while water sports and picnicking are among the recreational activities on and around the lake. Public lands surrounding Lake Greeson provide habitats for white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, geese, bald eagles, waterfowl, and songbirds.
Daisy State Park is in the Ouachita Mountains, on Lake Greeson and the Little Missouri River. Visitors can hike the Daisy Nature Creek Trail. Another activity is available on the Bear Creek Cycle Trail: This 31-mile ATV trail runs along the shore of Lake Greeson and offers panoramic views of the lake and the Ouachita Mountains. It begins at Daisy State Park, passes near Kirby Landing and the Bear Creek Recreation Areas, and ends at the western end of Rough Mountain. The trails offer two different activities: a hike on the Daisy Nature Creek Trail and an ATV ride on the Bear Creek Cycle Trail.
The waterways also differ in what they offer. Below the dam, the Little Missouri River tailwaters are home to rainbow trout and smallmouth bass. Lake Greeson is home to various bass, catfish, crappie, walleye, and sunfish. The Caddo River offers opportunities for floating and paddling.
History in the landscape and the museum
The Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village site was inhabited for more than 1,000 years. The self-guided tour includes excavated mounds, the opportunity to search for arrowheads and crystals, and a 1/8-mile nature trail. The Ka-Do-Ha Indian Village Museum contains pottery, water bottles, pipes, stone tools, and projectile points from the site's prehistoric inhabitants. The site's history and the museum's collection offer different ways to encounter this place.
The Pike County Courthouse was added to the National Register of Historic Places on October 16, 1986. Self Creek Bridge is on State Highway 70 near Daisy, where the road runs between Self Creek and Lake Greeson.
An annual festival
The Pike County Fair and Rodeo is held annually. In the 2026 program, the horses for the parade started at the fairgrounds and rode to Smokey Bear Lane. Details may change, so check the current program before a future visit.
Discover more destinations: Glenwood, Cleburne County, Desha County, Franklin County, Randolph County, Grant County, Phillips County, Faulkner.
For the broader travel overview: Arkansas.
