Come for Hoover.
Stay for West Branch.
Plan Your Visit
Planning a visit to West Branch, Iowa? Discover one of Iowa’s most meaningful historic destinations, home to the Hoover National Historic Site, restored tallgrass prairie trails, and a walkable downtown. With the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum Grand Reopening set for August 6, 2026, now is the perfect time to explore and plan your return.
This project paid for in part by the Iowa Tourism Office
This project paid for in part by the Iowa Tourism OfficeHerbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum
Now open! The newly reimagined Herbert Hoover Presidential Library & Museum welcomes visitors to explore the extraordinary lives of Herbert Hoover and Lou Henry Hoover through immersive exhibits, authentic artifacts, and interactive experiences.
From Hoover’s beginnings in West Branch and career as a mining engineer to his global humanitarian work, presidency, and decades of public service, each gallery has been thoughtfully designed to help visitors connect with their story in meaningful ways. Along the way, you’ll encounter personal moments that bring history to life, from the compass and journal that reflect Hoover’s early adventures to the story of Lou Henry’s life-changing decision to join him on a journey that would shape history.
Historic photographs, multimedia experiences, and newly interpreted exhibits reveal not only what the Hoovers accomplished, but also the values of leadership, service, and compassion that defined their lives.
We can’t show you everything here. Some experiences are best discovered in person. Plan your visit and see why the reimagined Museum offers a fresh perspective on one of America’s most fascinating first families.
Explore the Hoover National Historic Site
Begin your experience by exploring the place that shaped Herbert Hoover’s early life.
The Hoover National Historic Site offers a meaningful introduction to the 31st President of the United States and global humanitarian. Tour the preserved buildings that reflect daily life in his birthplace cottage, childhood community, including the one-room schoolhouse, the blacksmith shop, and the Quaker meeting house that influenced his early values. You will gain a deeper understanding of the environment that shaped his character.
Beyond the historic buildings, the park spans more than 200 acres, offering an expansive landscape to explore. Visitors can walk along approximately three miles of paved and natural surface trails that wind through restored tallgrass prairie, open fields, and quiet natural areas. These walking paths provide a peaceful way to experience the broader setting of the park, inviting you to slow down and take in the same surroundings that defined Hoover’s early years in West Branch, Iowa.
Things to Do in Downtown West Branch
Main Street West Branch offers even more to explore and enjoy.
A walkable downtown invites visitors to slow down and experience the charm of a small town at an easy pace. Along Main Street, you will find locally owned shops, historic buildings, and welcoming eateries that make it easy to spend time browsing, relaxing, and taking it all in. Seasonal events and community gatherings add to the atmosphere, creating a sense of connection that extends beyond a typical visit. Check out suggested day trip itineraries here.
Visitors planning an August trip can experience one of West Branch’s signature events, Hoover’s Hometown Days, taking place on Saturday August 8, 2026. Know as “History’s Hottest Block Party,” the festival features free family fun, food trucks, live entertainment, the special America 250 Freedom Exhibit, and the Hoover-Ball National Championship Tournament. Learn more at hooverdays.org.
Whether you are stopping in for a meal, exploring local businesses, or simply enjoying the setting, West Branch provides a natural complement to your visit with a warm, authentic experience.
