Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Designation: National Historic Site
Location: Iowa
đ Park Overview
Orphaned at age nine, Herbert Hoover left West Branch never to live here again. In later years, he returned to his humble birthplace to celebrate his long career of public service. A memorial landscape remains to tell his story: how community, hard work, honesty, and usefulness to others opened a world of opportunityâ and the presidency of the United Statesâ to a child of simple beginnings.
đ¤ Weather Information
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.
đ Directions
Take exit 254 off Interstate 80 to West Branch, Iowa. The Visitor Center is 0.3 mile north of Interstate 80.
Images
Herbert Hoover called his humble birthplace "physical proof of the unbounded opportunity of American life."
Credit: NPS Photo/John Eicher
Two simple marble slabs mark the graves of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover.
Credit: NPS Photo/Steven Lonergan
Exhibit galleries and archival collections tell of the triumphs and tragedies of Hooverâs long career in public service.
Credit: NARA/Lynn Smith
Herbert Hoover's father Jesse owned a blacksmith shop similar to the one at Herbert Hoover NHS.
Credit: NPS Photo/John Tobiason
Many rural Midwestern towns like West Branch placed a high value on education.
Credit: NPS Photo/John Tobiason
The plainly appointed Friends Meetinghouse and the practices within express Quaker values of peace, simplicity, integrity, and service to others.
Credit: NPS Photo/John Tobiason
The people of Belgium gave Herbert Hoover the statue "Isis, Goddess of Life" in gratitude for his famine relief efforts on their behalf during the First World War.
Credit: NPS Photo/John Tobiason
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Monday, Mar 9
Sunny
High: 81.1°F | Low: 46.4°F
Humidity: 49%
Wind: 15.9 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 1
Sunrise: 07:27 AM
Sunset: 07:05 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (72%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 50.7°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, Mar 10
Patchy rain nearby
High: 57.7°F | Low: 44.4°F
Humidity: 95%
Wind: 11.2 mph
Rain Chance: 75%
UV Index: 0.9
Sunrise: 07:26 AM
Sunset: 07:07 PM
Moon: Waning Gibbous (63%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 50.9°F
Cloud Cover: 75%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Wednesday, Mar 11
Heavy rain
High: 43.7°F | Low: 33.3°F
Humidity: 81%
Wind: 22.6 mph
Rain Chance: 88%
UV Index: 0.7
Sunrise: 07:24 AM
Sunset: 07:08 PM
Moon: Last Quarter (54%)
Visibility: 5 mi
Dew Point: 34.3°F
Cloud Cover: 88%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Park Alerts
Park Events
Memorial Day Iowa Brass Concert
Iowa Brass Memorial Day Concert
Iowa Brass returns to West Branch on Monday, May 25, for a free Memorial Day concert on the Village Green at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Enjoy an afternoon of patriotic favorites honoring America, along with a variety of other great selections.
The concert time is TBD. Admission is free and no tickets are required. Visitors are encouraged to bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating.
Location: Village Green at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Date: May 25, 2026 12:00am to May 25, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Independence Day Iowa Brass Concert
Iowa Brass is back in West Branch on Saturday, July 4, for a free Independence Day concert. Join us once again on the Village Green, part of the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, for patriotic songs to honor America and many more great pieces.
Visitors are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket to enjoy the concert.
Iowa Brass, an eastern Iowa brass band, will perform starting at TBD. Tickets are not required.
Location: The Village Green at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site
Date: Jul 4, 2026 12:00am to Jul 4, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Hoover's Hometown Days
Hooverâs Hometown Days
Hooverâs Hometown Days is an annual, multi-day festival celebrating the rich heritage of West Branch, Iowaâthe hometown of 31st U.S. President Herbert Hooverâwhile showcasing the communityâs vibrant small-town spirit.
The event features a wide variety of FREE activities and entertainment, including live music, bouncy houses and inflatable games, a petting zoo, free museum admission, and the annual Mayorâs Parade. Visitors can enjoy shopping, dining, and exploring throughout the historic Main Street district and the adjacent National Park, with historic reenactments, vendors, and food trucks. Thereâs something for everyone at Hooverâs Hometown Days!
View the full schedule of events, maps, and registration details at hooverdays.org, and follow along on Facebook and Instagram @hoovershometowndays.
Location: Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, City of West Branch
Date: Aug 7, 2026 12:00am to Aug 8, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Naturalization Ceremony
Constitution Day Naturalization Ceremony
The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and Hoover Presidential Library and Museum host an annual Naturalization Ceremony honoring individuals as they take the Oath of Citizenship and formally become citizens of the United States.
This meaningful public event celebrates commitment to the Constitution and the ideals of American democracy, recognizing those who have come to the United States in pursuit of new opportunities. The ceremony is a unique collaboration between the U.S. District Court, U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the National Park Service, and the National Archives and Records Administration.
The public is welcome to attend this special observance of citizenship and civic pride.
Location: Grass lawn east of the Hoover Presidential Library and Museum
Date: Sep 18, 2026 12:00am to Sep 18, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
A Christmas Past
West Branch, IA âThe birthplace of Herbert Hoover, 31st President of the United States, will host âA Christmas Pastâ December 4th and 5th. The festivities will officially begin with a community tree-lighting on the Village Green at 5pm on December 4th. For a complete schedule of the weekendâs activities: A Christmas Past | Main Street West Branch
Take a step back in time as you stroll through the parkâs historic neighborhood decorated and illuminated in period-appropriate, festive style. Be sure to stop by the parkâs blacksmith shop for living history demonstrations both nights from 5:30-8:00pm. Â
Programs and events offered at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Friday and Saturday evenings will be announced closer to the event.
Date: Dec 4, 2026 12:00am to Dec 5, 2026 12:00am
Paid Event
Visitor Center & Contacts
đ Physical Address:
110 Parkside Drive
West Branch, IA 52358
đ¤ Mailing Address:
P.O. Box 607
West Branch, IA 52358
đ Voice Phone: 3196432541
đ Fax Phone: 3196437864
đ TTY Phone: 3196432594
âď¸ Email: heho_information@nps.gov