Looking for a day trip that's packed with adventure and mystery?! Grab your shovels, gather your friends or family, and head to Salt Plains State Park in Jet, Oklahoma! Here, you'll have the chance to unearth your very own treasure, the selenite crystals – a one-of-a-kind experience you won’t forget.
Get Ready for an Adventure!
The crystal digging area is open from April 1 through October 15, and it's best to plan your visit when the weather is just right. Think of it like a real-life treasure hunt – only instead of gold, you’ll be finding unique crystals that are as beautiful as they are rare! We went a day after it rained, so you can see the little pools of water.
What to Pack for Your Expedition
Here’s your checklist for a day of crystal hunting:
Treasure-hunting tools: Shovels, trowels, and anything else that can help you dig into the earth.
Buckets or bags: To carry home all your sparkly finds.
Snacks and plenty of water: All that digging can work up an appetite!
Sun protection: Hats, sunglasses, and sunscreen to keep you cool and safe.
Clothes that can get messy: Trust us, you’re going to get dirty – and that’s part of the fun! We brought extra clothes for the boys to change into and also took their swim suites incase we decided to go swimming in the lake. We didn't go swimming, but that's something you might concider as well.
Chairs/umbrella: There is no shade and nothing to sit on. If this is important to you, then I would recommend bring chairs and some sort of shade.
Digging for Treasure: How to Find Crystals
Once you arrive, the hunt begins! Here’s how to get your hands on those glittering crystals:
Pick Your Spot: The salt flats are wide open, so roam around until you find a spot that feels lucky. Look for areas where the ground seems a bit damp – that’s where the magic happens.
Start Digging: Dig down about 1-2 feet. As the ground gets wetter, you’re getting closer to your prize! Most of the ones we found were around a foot down, we didn't dig down two feet.
Discover the Treasure: As you reach the wet sand, start feeling around for the crystals. You will feel something hard, there's a good chance it's a crystal – they’re cool, smooth, and have a bit of sparkle.
Clean and Admire: Gently wash off the mud to reveal the crystal’s full beauty. Then, add it to your growing collection!
What Will You Find?
The crystals you’ll find at Salt Plains State Park aren’t just any crystals – they’re hourglass selenite crystals, unique to this area. Each one has its own special shape and sand inclusion, making it feel like you’ve just uncovered a piece of natural art. Some are tiny, others are big enough to be the centerpiece of your collection, and all of them are dazzling!
Play by the Rules
This treasure hunt comes with a few simple rules to keep the area beautiful and fun for everyone:
Limit your loot: You can take home up to 10 pounds of crystals and one large cluster per person per day. Plenty of treasure to share!
Stick to the designated area: There’s plenty of space to explore, but stay within the marked digging area.
Beyond the Crystals: Explore the Park
Once you’ve had your fill of crystal digging, there’s still more to explore! The park offers scenic hiking trails, camping spots, and even birdwatching for the nature enthusiasts. Or, cool off by the Great Salt Plains Lake – a perfect spot to unwind after your treasure hunt.
Let the Adventure Begin!
Digging for crystals at Salt Plains State Park is more than just a day trip – it’s an adventure where you get to uncover the hidden beauty of nature. Whether you’re young or just young at heart, the excitement of finding your very own crystals is something you’ll treasure forever. So pack your gear, bring your sense of wonder, and get ready to dig up some magic in Jet, Oklahoma!
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