Rate Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Learn and Explore
Since 1916, the National Park Service has been entrusted with the care of our national parks. With the help of volunteers and partners, we safeguard these special places and share their stories with more than 275 million visitors every year. But our work doesn’t stop there.
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Our Mission
The National Park Service preserves unimpaired the natural and cultural resources and values of the National Park System for the enjoyment, education, and inspiration of this and future generations. The Park Service cooperates with partners to extend the benefits of natural and cultural resource conservation and outdoor recreation throughout this country and the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I obtain a park entrance pass?
Only 118 of your 417 park sites charge entrance fees. You can obtain park entrance passes by visiting a park site that charges an entrance fee. Entrance fee sites have passes available; we recommend calling a park prior to your visit. (See the park search to locate a specific park.) There are a number of entrance passes available, including park-specific passes as well as passes that offer entrance to more than 2,000 federal recreation sites in addition to the national parks (Annual, Military, Senior, 4th Grade, Access, and Volunteer passes). Learn more about the America the Beautiful – The National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Pass.
About this location:
National Historic Site
Operating Hours & Seasons
Operating Hours
The Visitor Center and historic buildings are open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., except on Thanksgiving Day, December 25, and January 1. The loop road from the Presidential Library and Museum to the Gravesite and picnic shelters, and the Village Green Parking Lot (on Parkside Drive across from the Visitor Center) are closed to vehicles and parking from 10:00 p.m. to 6:00 a.m. The grounds of the historic site are open 24 hours.
Standard Hours
- Sunday:Open 24 hours
- Monday:Open 24 hours
- Tuesday:Open 24 hours
- Wednesday:Open 24 hours
- Thursday:Open 24 hours
- Friday:Open 24 hours
- Saturday:Open 24 hours
Fees & Passes
Entrance Fees:
- $0.00 – Entrance Fees
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site charges no fee to enter. Admission to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum costs $10.00 for adults with discounts for seniors, children, active and retired military, and college students. Free federal recreational lands passes (Access, Military, and 4th Grade passes) are issued at the Visitor Center.
About
To Look Forward With Unbounded Hope
Born in a two-room cottage, Herbert Hoover could have been any small town boy. Orphaned at age nine, he left West Branch, never to live here again. The landscape and buildings of the early years remain, however, to tell how family, faith, education, and hard work opened a world of opportunity— even the presidency of the United States— to a child of simple beginnings.
Directions
Take exit 254 off Interstate 80 to West Branch, Iowa. The Visitor Center is 0.3 mile north of Interstate 80.
Visitor Centers
Visitor Center
Start your visit at the Visitor Center, where you can pick up the park map and guide. Park rangers are available to answer questions and help you get oriented. Exhibits and a 12-minute film tell about Herbert Hoover’s childhood in West Branch and his later involvement in developing the park which commemorates his life. Books, educational items, and gifts are available for purchase.
Weather
Spring and fall are mild with moderate temperatures. Average high temperatures in the spring and fall are between 50° and 60° F, with lows from 40° F to 50° F. Summer is hot and humid with average highs around 85° F. Winter can be cold, windy, and snowy with highs averaging 30° F or lower. Rain and thunderstorms are most frequent in the spring and summer.
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