The Visitor Center at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is open from 9 AM to 5 PM from March through October, and from 9 AM to 4:30 PM from November through February. It is closed on Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year’s Day.
There is no entrance fee to visit Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, but the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum charges $10 for adults aged 16 to 61.
From Iowa City, take Highway 218 north to West Branch, a charming town where the birthplace and formative years of a U.S. president come alive amidst historic buildings and serene natural areas.
Park at the Visitor Center, Presidential Library, or gravesite; free parking. No overnight parking. RVs and trailers park off-site near the museum entrance. No parking fees. Motorcycles use main parking lots.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:Full
In the heart of Iowa, the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site stands as a poignant tribute to the life and legacy of the 31st President of the United States. Located in West Branch, this 186.8-acre site is a tapestry of historic buildings, serene landscapes, and a rich cultural heritage.
As you step into this historic enclave, you are greeted by the simple yet profound two-room cottage where Herbert Hoover was born in 1874. The surroundings evoke a sense of rural tranquility, with the 1853 one-room schoolhouse and the 1857 Quaker Friends meetinghouse standing as testaments to the community’s strong educational and spiritual roots. The blacksmith shop, where Hoover’s father once worked, now hosts live demonstrations, adding a tactile layer to the historical narrative.
The site is also home to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum, a comprehensive repository of the president’s life and achievements. A short walk up the hill leads to the serene graves of Herbert and Lou Hoover, offering a moment of quiet reflection.
Seasonal changes paint the landscape in vibrant hues; spring brings blooming wildflowers, summer warms the tallgrass prairie trails, and autumn sets the trees ablaze with color. While this site may not be centered around a lake, its natural beauty and historical depth make it an compelling destination.
Visitors can engage with the site through guided tours and interactive exhibits, or simply stroll through the grounds, immersing themselves in the history and charm of West Branch. For those seeking a more immersive experience, the nearby city of Iowa City offers a blend of artisanal shops, local eateries, and cultural events that complement the historic site perfectly. Whether you are a history enthusiast or simply a traveler seeking unique experiences, the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is a place where the past comes alive in a setting of unspoiled beauty.
- Area (mi²)
- 1
- Annual visitors
- 103 804
- Established year
- 1964
Top 3 Facts about Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
The site features a 1853 one-room schoolhouse that was moved to its current location, highlighting Hoover’s early education in a building that is now part of a historic landmark district. This schoolhouse is a significant part of the historic buildings preserved to reflect Hoover’s childhood environment.
In this verdant landscape, ray-finned fishes swim in the waters, while amphibians and reptiles inhabit the surrounding wetlands. The skies are filled with a diverse array of birds, and mammals roam the historic grounds. The natural areas are dotted with unique flora, creating a vibrant ecosystem that supports a rich biodiversity. Here, you can spot birds like those monitored in the park’s bird community studies, and enjoy the serene beauty of Gothic Revival and Queen Anne architecture set amidst a thriving natural environment.
This landscape, once a vast tallgrass prairie dotted with vibrant wildflowers, now features rolling hills and farms. The area is underlaid by unconsolidated sediments deposited over 800,000 years, covering fossiliferous carbonate rocks from an ancient ocean that inundated the region hundreds of millions of years ago. Wapsinonoc Creek, where Herbert Hoover swam and fished as a child, gently flows through this picturesque countryside.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Volunteer & Stewardship
- Scouting Partnerships
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities.
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Plan a half-day visit in spring to avoid crowds. Start at the visitor center, then explore the birthplace cottage and blacksmith shop. Wear comfortable shoes for the paved paths and bring a picnic lunch. Check for the annual Hoover Birthday Celebration in August.
Pack Appropriately
Pack comfortable shoes for walking and layers for variable Midwestern weather. Bring water, sunscreen, and a hat for outdoor exploration. For longer stays, include camping gear and insect repellent. Check seasonal forecasts to prepare accordingly.
Respect Wildlife
Maintain a safe distance from wildlife, at least 25 yards, to avoid stressing animals. Never feed them and dispose of trash properly to preserve their natural habits. Stay on designated trails and respect the environment as you would your own backyard.
Stay Informed
Stay on marked trails, avoid ledges and water, and check weather and fire alerts. For emergencies, call 911 or park authorities. Be aware of your surroundings and follow signs to ensure a safe adventure.
Seasons
In spring, as temperatures rise to the 60s and 70s, stroll through blooming tallgrass prairies and historic grounds. Attend the Spring Nature Photography Workshop in May, capturing vibrant flora and historic sites under mild skies. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and nature photographers.
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Visit in fall, when crisp temperatures (40s-60s°F) and golden hues envelop the historic grounds. Enjoy guided tours, hikes, and the annual Halloween festivities, making autumn an ideal time to immerse in the site’s rich history.
Explore the serene winter landscape from November to March, with temperatures often below 32°F. Crisp air and snow-covered grounds enhance the historic charm, though some facilities close at 4:30 PM. A tranquil, immersive experience for those who appreciate winter’s quiet beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Herbert Hoover National Historic Site has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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The closest city to the site is Iowa City, Iowa. It is located near West Branch, Iowa, just off Interstate 80.
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Dogs are not allowed inside the buildings, but service animals are permitted. Dogs can, however, explore the grounds and trails on a six-foot leash.
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Parking is free, but the main parking lot is only for cars. For larger vehicles like motorhomes, trailers, or campervans, there is a separate parking lot nearby.
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You can visit the 1871 two-room birthplace cottage of Herbert Hoover, the 1871 blacksmith shop where his father worked, the 1853 one-room schoolhouse, and the 1857 Quaker Friends meetinghouse. Explore the Visitor Center to watch a 12-minute film about Hoover’s childhood and see exhibits. Also, see the gravesite of President and Mrs. Hoover, and walk through the tallgrass prairie observation deck. Note that the Presidential Library and Museum is currently closed until 2026.