Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

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Recently, my husband and I took a 1600 mile road trip from our home in Northeast Ohio to Denver, Colorado. After a few changes in plans, mainly due to Dennis’s work schedule, we decided to take the northern route along Interstate 80. I was excited because this would be my first time traveling through Iowa and Nebraska. While most people aren’t as excited about the plains states, I was happy because of my goal to visit all 50 states. Driving through isn’t good enough though.  I actually have to stop and visit an attraction to count the state. In the interest of time and convenience, I chose a place right off I-80, the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.

Why visit the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site?

Okay, I admit, Herbert Hoover was not on my top 10 list of American Presidents. When I think of Hoover, I think of the Great Depression and those cities of cardboard boxes (okay, wooden crate and tarp shanties really) known as Hoovervilles. My only other association about this president is the Hoover Dam.

You know why we stopped here. First, it was close to I-80. Second, I love national historic sites because I always learn something new at them. Third, I had to visit SOMETHING in Iowa to count the state on my list of states I’d visited.  Plus, it was lunch time, and we’d been driving for several hours.

However, now that we have been there, I highly recommend stopping here. It’s chock full of information about a man vilified by millions, a man who was just doing the best that he could during one of the worst times our nation faced.

About Herbert Hoover and the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Herbert Hoover was the first president to be born west of the Mississippi.  He came from a very humble Quaker background. Born in a two room cottage in West Branch,  Hoover was the son of the local blacksmith. After seeing how tiny the cottage was, I can’t imagine a couple living there with their three small children.

 

Orphaned at the age of 9, Hoover  and his siblings were split up and sent to live with various relatives. Two years later, young Herbert Hoover was sent to Oregon to live with his uncle, John Mintern. Hoover dropped out of school at thirteen, but later attended Stanford University despite failing all the entrance exams but one.

Graduating with a degree in geology, Hoover traveled the world for work.  He created with a relief agency to help Americans stranded in Europe during World War I which led to life in politics.  He was elected to the U.S. presidency in 1928 and took office in 1929, six months before the Stock Market Crash in October 1929.  As much of nation blamed Hoover for the depression and bank failures,  he only served one term, losing the 1932 election to Franklin Delano Roosevelt.

What to see and do at the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

I would suggest starting at the visitor’s center.  We parked at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library, but the visitor’s center  gives a great overview of Hoover’s life and impact. There is a short twelve minute film and a room with artifacts and other displays, as well as a small gift shop area. If you have questions, a ranger is available to help answer them.

At the visitor’s center, pick up a brochure with a map. Then, walk to Hoover’s birthplace and go inside. If you’re like me, you’ll be amazed that a family of five lived there. After exploring the small cottage,  walk to the school and the blacksmith’s shop, imagining was life was like in the 1800s.

Walk back past the cottage and cross the stream. On the other side, you will find the Quaker meeting house, a statue of the Greek goddess Isis, and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library.

If you have more time, stop in at the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library. Unfortunately, we didn’t have the two to three hours that this site required, so we skipped it on this trip. Hopefully we will make it back another time.

You can also walk to the Hoover grave site which is beyond the library. Hint: when you’re standing at the cottage, you’ll be able to have a clear view of where Hoover and his wife Lou Henry are buried.

Important Information

The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is located 1/4 mile north of Interstate 80 in West Branch, Iowa, at exit 254.  The visitor’s center is located at 110 Parkside Drive, and the presidential library is located at 210 Parkside Drive.

Parking and restrooms are available at both the visitor’s center and at the presidential library.  There is no fee to visit the visitor’s center or to tour the historical buildings. However, if you’d like to go to the presidential library, the admission fee is $10 for adults and $3 for children ages 6-15. There is a discount for seniors and for members of the military.

The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum is open from 9-5 every day of the year except Christmas, Thanksgiving, and New Year’s Day. There is a gift shop inside, but it closes at 4:30.  The visitor’s center for the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is also open from 9-5 daily, and closed on the same days as the presidential library.  A picnic area is available, but there are also some small restaurants within walking distance in West Branch.

For more information on the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, visit the National Park Service’s website.

If you are visiting on a rainy day, be careful as you traverse the wooden boardwalks. They can be slippery!

Conclusion

Herbert Hoover was an really interesting man. Despite losing his parents at a young age and being separated from his siblings, he grew to be a man who believed in hard work, public service, personal integrity, and humanitarian efforts.  He is truly a man to be admired.  If you have a chance to visit West Branch, Iowa, be sure to stop by this tribute to the 31st president of the United States. You’ll be glad you did!

 

 

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