• Pink flowers blossom in the garden of a white two-room cottage.

    Herbert Hoover

    National Historic Site Iowa

For Kids

A park ranger quizzes a little girl at an activity table.

Kids participate in activities at the Junior Ranger table during Hooverfest.

NPS Photo

Herbert Hoover made a lot of discoveries growing up in West Branch. So can your kids. Many things to do at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site are great for families with children. See the schedule of events for what's happening.

Junior Rangers

Anyone can be a Junior Ranger any time of year by earning an official badge and certificate after completing activities during a visit to the park. Be a Junior Ranger »

Bookstore

The not-for-profit park bookstore at the visitor center sells quality educational products like books, puzzles, and games. Read more »

School Field Trips

Educators and parents may download free curriculum materials to prepare for a visit. Plan a field trip »

Volunteer

Some volunteer activities, like prairie reconstruction projects, may be appropriate for children of certain ages. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts may earn resource stewardship patches by participating in national park programs and volunteer projects. Find volunteer opportunities »

Activities for Home

Build the Herbert Hoover Birthplace Cottage from a piece of paper! Download PDF file »

Make a storyteller to ask questions and get answers about Herbert Hoover's childhood! Download PDF file »

 
Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award, 2009

Allan Hoover III, great-grandson of President Hoover, presented Vanessa Espinosa with a $5,000 scholarship in 2009.

Photo courtesy of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association

Uncommon Student Award

The Herbert Hoover Uncommon Student Award, a scholarship program of the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library Association, annually identifies and honors up to 15 Iowa high school juniors who propose and then accomplish a project of their own choosing and design. Be an Uncommon Student »

  • Birthplace Cottage Birthplace Cottage

    Hoover called his birthplace "physical proof of the unbounded opportunity of American life." Read More

  • Field Trips Field Trips

    Reservations, activities, and curriculum materials for teachers and their students. Read More

  • Nature & Science Research Nature & Science Research

    Scientific research builds a strong foundation for the management and protection of natural resources. Read More

  • Hoover Fishing Story Hoover Fishing Story

    Pete Hoover, grandson of the 31st President, recalled lessons learned at his grandfather's side. Read More

Did You Know?

Hoover's birthplace as it appeared before restoration: a two-story white frame house.

Herbert Hoover's birthplace was a tourist attraction as early as 1928. Jennie Scellers, the house's owner, charged 10 cents for tours and set up a souvenir stand on her lawn. More...