The Herbert Hoover NHS, located in West Branch, Iowa, preserves the birthplace and early childhood home of the 31st U.S. President, Herbert Hoover. The site includes the modest two-room cottage where Hoover was born, a blacksmith shop, a Quaker meetinghouse, and the gravesites of his wife, Lou Henry Hoover. Visitors can explore the park’s landscape and buildings to gain insight into Hoover’s early life and values, which shaped his career in public service. The site offers a glimpse into the humble beginnings of a man who would go on to lead the nation during the Great Depression.
If you travel the highways across America, you can’t miss the iconic brown National Park signs. This is due to the NPS overseeing 423 sites. As we traveled I-80 towards Yellowstone, N.P., we came across the signs for the Herbert Hoover NHS. Many of our National Park visits have been related to presidential history, so we couldn’t resist stopping.
How to Get There
Take exit 254 off Interstate 80 to West Branch, Iowa. The Visitor Center is 0.3 miles north of Interstate 80. If you are traveling I80, this is an easy, quick stop.
Herbert Hoover NHS
In 1874, Herbert Hoover was born in West Branch, Iowa. This NHS helps protect the small cottage he was born in. Hoover only lived in the cabin for the first three years. After leaving, he never returned to live there again. However, in 1935, Hoover and his wife, Lou Henry, purchased and restored the old cabin.
At this location, you will find three different places. You will find the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site (free), the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library (free), and the Herbert Hoover Museum (small fee required).
Admittedly, none of us knew a tremendous amount about President Hoover. Thankfully, this site is very kid-friendly and easily accessible. After only spending a few hours here, we learned about the 31st President of the United States.
Things to Do and See
National Park Service Visitor Center
As with any National Park Service site, we recommend starting at the Visitor Center.
Here, you can Pick up the official National Park map and guide, stamp your Passport, and find the activity books to become Junior Rangers.
Although a relatively small visitor center, it was highly kid-friendly. Therefore, we were very impressed with how much it catered to kids, even though it was small. In addition, the Park Ranger on duty that day took some extra time to explain a few things we would have missed on our own.
Take the Self Guided Tour
The visitor center offers information for the self-guided tour. In addition, there is an app you can download. Several stops are well worth the time.
Herbert and Lou Hoover Gravesite
When he died on October 20, 1964, the 31st President was laid to rest in this quiet, grassy hillside. His wife was Lou’s gravesite right next to his. It’s hard to describe this spot fully. It is an extensive area with a wall of arborvitaes and smaller bushes. The graves are two large marble slabs, and a flagpole stands in the courtyard’s center.
Birthplace Cottage
The Herbert Hoover Birthplace Cottage is a simple two-room structure where the 31st U.S. President was born in 1874. This humble cottage reflects the modest beginnings of Hoover’s Quaker upbringing, emphasizing simplicity, hard work, and community. Visitors can step inside to see the restored living space and imagine the early life of a boy who would rise from these modest surroundings to lead the nation during a time of great challenge.
Blacksmith Shop
The Herbert Hoover Blacksmith Shop recreates the shop where Hoover’s father worked as a blacksmith. This small, modest building showcases the tools and techniques used in the late 19th century to craft farm implements and repair wagons. Visitors can explore the shop to learn about Jesse Hoover’s trade and how it influenced young Herbert, instilling in him the values of hard work and self-reliance.
The Statue of Isis
This bronze statue was a gift from the people of Belgium. It was given in honor of Hoover’s famine relief efforts during the First World War.
In the sculpture, Isis is wearing a veil. This is a symbol of the mysteries of life. In her right hand is the torch of life. The three flames represent the past, present, and future. In her left hand is the key of life. The ancient Egyptian goddess and the 31st American President are an unlikely pairing. However, it provides a powerful link between Hoover’s childhood and his life’s dedication to the welfare of others.
Participate in the Junior Ranger Program
This program is necessary when visiting the National Park Service site with kids. You can learn more about this great program on our Junior Ranger Program post.
Be sure to get your Jr. Ranger book at the visitor center. In addition, you can download it on the Herbert Hoover NHS website.
This activity booklet will help you explore the entire NHS. In addition, you will learn all about Herbert Hoover’s life and his contributions to the Country.
The NPS makes learning Presidnertail history an enjoyable experience. This was the first Presidential site we visited. We have since seen seven different sites related to Abraham Lincoln: the monuments on the National Mall, George Washington’s Mount Vernon, and the Adams National Historical Park.
Our Experience at the Herbert Hoover NHS
This was an unplanned stop as we traveled west on our cross-country trip to Yellowstone.
We were driving along I80 and looking for a place to take a break for lunch. As we planned to stop, we saw the famous brown NPS signs leading us to the Herbert Hoover location.
Our stop here was quick but well with the visit. The Park Rangers were great, and we learned plenty about President Hoover and the small Iowa town he grew up in.
