West Branch Travel Guide

Tourist Guide

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site which includes a house
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site featuring interior views and a house
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site showing heritage elements and signage
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site featuring heritage architecture
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site featuring 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
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is NZ$109 per night from 15 July to 16 July
NZ$109
15 July - 16 July
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this business-friendly hotel in West Branch. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. ...
6.2/10 (478 reviews)
"Rooms were clean and comfortable. Breakfast bar a little weak. Would definitely stay again if I was passing thru."

Reviewed on 7 Jun. 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham West Branch Iowa City Area
Beautiful Cabin on a Vineyard
Beautiful Cabin on a Vineyard
West Branch
The price is NZ$1,886 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
NZ$1,886
11 Aug - 12 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in West Branch. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities.
10/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
Great for a large family gathering
"Really great rustic home. Quiet property with millions of fireflies made for an unforgettable family home. We had 4 generations under one roof for a long weekend and the house accommodated us perfectly. Tons of games for the kids and rooms big enough when we wanted to be together and enough space ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Beautiful Cabin on a Vineyard
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
The price is NZ$150 per night from 27 July to 28 July
NZ$150
27 July - 28 July
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and a 24-hour fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,094 reviews)
"Great property near downtown Iowa activities. Had covered parking."

Reviewed on 8 Jul. 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
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.
Beautiful Cabin on a Vineyard
Beautiful Cabin on a Vineyard
West Branch
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in West Branch. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities.
10/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
Great for a large family gathering
"Really great rustic home. Quiet property with millions of fireflies made for an unforgettable family home. We had 4 generations under one roof for a long weekend and the house accommodated us perfectly. Tons of games for the kids and rooms big enough when we wanted to be together and enough space ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 2025

Beautiful Cabin on a Vineyard
Lake MacBride Cabin & State Park! Near Amana Colonies, Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
Lake MacBride Cabin & State Park! Near Amana Colonies, Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
Solon
Stay at this vacation home in Solon. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Lake Macbride State Park and Coralville Lake are ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (212 reviews)
Family vacation
"We had a great time. Everyone had there own bed. Convenient location to the lakes. Nice quiet area"

Reviewed on 29 Jun. 2025

Lake MacBride Cabin & State Park! Near Amana Colonies, Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
The Barn Loft
The Barn Loft
Riverside
Book a stay at this family-friendly vacation home in Riverside. Enjoy a garden, laundry facilities, and patios. Popular attraction Riverside Casino and Golf ...
Family football weekend away
"I couldn’t have asked for a cozier place for our family weekend away. Was a flawless process with the owners."

Reviewed on 2 Dec. 2024

The Barn Loft
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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