Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site was established August 12, 1965. The historic buildings and grounds of this 186-acre site are preserved by the National Park Service to commemorate the life of the 31st President of the United States. Visit the small cottage where Hoover was born in 1874, a blacksmith shop similar to the one owned by his father, the first West Branch schoolhouse, and the Friends Meetinghouse where the Hoover family worshipped. Also located on the grounds are the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum, the gravesites of President and Mrs. Hoover, and an 81-acre tallgrass prairie.

Visitation: Each year over 225,000 people visit Herbert Hoover National Historic Site to learn more about Herbert Hoover, 31^st President of the United States. Visitation is highest during spring, summer and fall, lowest in January.
Location: West Branch, Iowa, 10 miles east of Iowa City. One-half mile north of I-80 Exit 254
Address: Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, 110 Parkside Drive, P.O. Box 607, West Branch, Iowa 52358-0607
Telephone: 319-643-2541
Climate and Recommended Clothing: Summers are hot and humid, spring and fall are mild with moderate temperatures, winters can be cold and snowy. Wear comfortable sportswear in season. Boardwalks may be slippery when wet.
Operating Hours: Open daily 9:00a.m.-5:00p.m., closed Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1.
Transportation: Personal vehicle recommended. Shuttle service is available from the Eastern Iowa Airport. All on-site facilities are within walking distance. Parking is available at the Visitor Center, Library-Museum, gravesite, and picnic shelters. Bus and recreational vehicle parking is available at the Water Street lot near the Visitor Center.
Fees, Costs, and Rates: Adults (17-61) $4; children under 17 free. For those with a National Park Pass, Golden Eagle, Golden Age, and Golden Access Passports, and Presidential Library Foundation Cardholders pay $2.
Reservations and Permits: To reserve a picnic shelter call 319-643-2541. For guided tours and school tours call 319-643-5301 two months in advance.
Facilities and Opportunities: The National Park Service Visitor Center contains an information desk, exhibits about Herbert Hoover's early years, an orientation video, and a book sales outlet. Temporary exhibits change periodically.
Trails and Roads: The Visitor Center, Hoover Library Museum, and gravesite are accessible by park roads, boardwalks, or paved trails. The 81-acre tall grass prairie has 1.7 miles of walking trails.
Food, Supplies and Concessions: Food and supplies are available in West Branch and nearby Iowa City.
Lodging and Camping: There are no lodging or camping facilities in the park. Contact easterniowatourism.org for a listing of nearby facilities.
Accessibility: Portions of the site are not accessible. Wheelchairs are available at the Visitor Center and Library-Museum. Please contact for further information. More about Accessibility
Recommended Activities/Park Use: Visit the Birthplace Cottage, Blacksmith Shop, Schoolhouse, Quaker Meetinghouse, Presidential Library-Museum and the gravesites of President and Mrs. Hoover. Hike the tall grass prairie and enjoy picnicking. See calendar for special events and programs. The Historic Site has issued its General Management Plan and Environmental Assessment for review.
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association: The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association was originally established in 1939 as the Hoover Birthplace Society. Currently the Association fosters the collection, interpretation, and preservation of historical resources relating to the life, ideas, values, and times of Herbert Hoover, thirty-first President of the United States. It promotes public education about and appreciation for Herbert Hoover and supports the Hoover Presidential Library-Museum and the National Historic Site. Special events include Sunday in the Park programs and Hooverfest, and annual celebration held the first weekend in August to commemorate the birth of Herbert Hoover. Programs are supported by membership in the Association. For more information call 319-643-5327.
Visit the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association web site at www.hooverassoc.org
The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum: The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum was dedicated in 1962 and is operated by the National Archives and Records Administration. It is one of eleven Presidential Libraries in the United States. The papers of President Hoover and Lou Henry Hoover are among those housed in the library archives. The library is open to researchers by appointment. The museum enables visitors to experience the many sides of Iowa's only President. Hoover's careers as mining engineer, Secretary of Commerce, 31st President of the United States, and great humanitarian are depicted in the permanent galleries. The temporary gallery has special exhibits three times a year. The museum is open daily from 9-5, closed Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1. For more information call 319-643-5301.
Visit the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library-Museum web site at www.hoover.nara.gov