West Branch Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site showing a house
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site showing a house and interior views
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site featuring signage and heritage elements
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site showing heritage architecture
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site which includes a house

Tour the home of the only American president born in Iowa and learn about this town’s ties with the abolition of slavery.

West Branch is a quaint town in eastern Iowa, with a charming downtown district and the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. It is known as the birthplace of the 31st president of the United States. Make your way through the vast park dedicated to the former leader of the country for an insight into the town’s place in American history.

Visit the Herbert Hoover National Historic Site to see the Birthplace Cottage. The former president grew up here as the son of a blacksmith. Examine the intriguing exhibits in the Visitor Center, including activity booklets for kids, enabling them to become Junior Rangers.

Watch the movie about the former president and purchase souvenir items in the store. Attend the presentation in the Blacksmith Shop and look around the Presidential Library and Museum.

Stroll through the park’s picturesque surroundings and bring a picnic to enjoy in a shady spot. Enjoy the hot summer afternoons and pleasant evenings here. Visit in winter, when snow covers the buildings in the town center. On the northeastern outskirts of the town is Cedar Valley Park, where you can stroll along the banks of the Cedar River.

Consider the history of West Branch, which was initially settled by Quakers in the 19th century. Its past is entwined with the story of the American Civil War and slavery, as it was part of the Underground Railway route. Note that abolitionist John Brown lodged at a farm a little east of the town.

The town is in the counties of Cedar and Johnson on the eastern side of Iowa, just 10 miles (16 kilometers) east of Iowa City. Fly to Eastern Iowa Airport in the southern outskirts of Cedar Rapids and drive southeast for 30 miles (50 kilometers) to get here in about 30 minutes. Get around the small town and its large park by car.

West Branch is a serene and picturesque settlement surrounded by a vast and informative park.

Days Inn by Wyndham West Branch Iowa City Area

Days Inn by Wyndham West Branch Iowa City Area

2.5 out of 5
711 S Downey St, West Branch, IA
The price is ₹5,062 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹5,062
₹5,669 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Branch. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in their reviews. ...
6.2/10 (484 reviews)
"Nice"

Reviewed on 20 Jul 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham West Branch Iowa City Area
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
The price is ₹6,895 per night from 27 Jul to 28 Jul
₹6,895
₹7,832 total
27 Jul - 28 Jul
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free breakfast, free Wi-Fi and a 24-hour fitness centre. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,119 reviews)
"Na"

Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City

4 out of 5
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
The price is ₹8,736 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
₹8,736
₹9,785 total
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, a 24-hour fitness centre and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,065 reviews)
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Reviewed on 22 Jul 2025

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning

New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning

3 out of 5
830 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Iowa City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, cable/satellite TV service and an in-room coffee maker. Popular attractions Kinnick Stadium ...
10/10 Exceptional! (1 review)
"This townhome was absolutely perfect for UofI graduation in May! The location was 2 blocks from commencement making it ideal for every type of event associated with the university. The accommodations included every detail possible - tastefully decorated, a roomy main level kitchen/living area for ..."

Reviewed on 27 May 2025

New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning
New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning

New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning

3 out of 5
830 Newton Road, Iowa City, IA
Stay at this 3-star holiday home in Iowa City. Enjoy free Wi-Fi, free parking and cable/satellite TV service. Popular attractions Kinnick Stadium and Carver-Hawkeye ...
New Modern Townhome With Rooftop Patio 2 Bedroom Townhouse by RedAwning
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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