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A wooden rail fence marks the edge of the 81-acre restored native tallgrass prairie.

A full day?

Start at the Visitor Center to get your map and plan your day. See a 12-minute film and exhibits on Herbert Hoover's childhood. Take a self-guided walk or join a ranger for a guided tour of four historic buildings: the Birthplace Cottage, the Blacksmith Shop, the Schoolhouse, and the Friends Meetinghouse.

West Branch's historic commercial district, adjacent to the National Historic Site, has several restaurants and shops where you can spend your lunch break. 

Make sure to spend at least an hour and a half at the Presidential Library and Museum. to learn more about Herbert Hoover's distinguished life and career. The Presidential Library and Museum also offers changing exhibits on other historical topics.

Visit the Gravesite of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover, then take a walk through the restored 81-acre Tallgrass Prairie.

NPS photo

Two marble slabs mark the gravesites of Herbert Hoover and his wife Lou Henry Hoover.

A half-day?

Start at the Visitor Center. See the 12-minute film. Take a self-guided walk through the historic grounds to the Presidential Library and Museum. Spend a a couple of hours at the Library and Museum or visit the Gravesite before taking a walk through the Tallgrass Prairie.

NPS PHOTO

Books and slates on the students' desks in the historic one-room schoolhouse, built in 1853.

A couple of hours?

See the film and plan your visit at the Visitor Center (15 minutes). Take a self-guided tour of the grounds and historic buildings (45 minutes). Visit the Presidential Library and Museum (45 minutes) Stop at the Gravesite on your way out (15 minutes).

NPS photo

Herbert Hoover Birthplace Cottage is a small two-room house that stands on the same corner as when it was built in 1871.

One hour or less?

See the 12-minute film and plan your visit at the Visitor Center, then take a self-guided tour of the grounds and historic buildings.

Then come back again when you have more time to visit. Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is much more than a quick stop off Interstate 80!