The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site has two picnic shelters that may be used for free on a first-come, first-served basis or reserved for $25.00.

To reserve a shelter, please review the regulations [PDF file, 43 KB] and fill out a reservation form [PDF file, 25 KB]. Completed forms may be faxed to (319) 643-7873 or mailed to P.O. Box 607, West Branch, IA 52358.

For more information about reserving picnic shelters, contact the permits coordinator at (319) 643-7857.

NPS PHOTO

The West, or Boy Scout, Picnic Shelter.

The West, or Boy Scout, Shelter and can accommodate 62 people. It has 8 electrical outlets and 2 fireplace grills. There are 8 wooden tables under the shelter; two of the tables are wheelchair accessible. Boy Scouts built the West Shelter in 1954 as a tribute to to Herbert Hoover's spirit of volunteer service.

NPS Photo

The east picnic shelter.

East Shelter

The East Shelter can accommodate up to 64 people. The East Shelter has no electric outlets and no grills for cooking. There are 8 wooden tables under the shelter. The Negus family donated East Shelter in part. It opened in 1953.

Parking

Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space. Park at the Visitor Center, Presidential Library and Museum, Gravesite, and at the picnic shelters.

Bus and recreational vehicle (RV) parking for the Visitor Center and Presidential Library and Museum is on Parkside Drive across the street from the Visitor Center. Buses and RVs may park also at the gravesite and picnic areas. Additional parking may be found on the streets of West Branch. All on-site facilities are within walking distance of the parking lots.

Designated parking spaces for persons with disabilities are available in all parking lots. Those spaces are reserved for vehicles which are properly marked with a disability parking permit, such as a license plate or government-issued hang-tag.

Picnic Shelters

Two picnic shelters are on the north side of Hoover Creek. Parking for persons with disabilities is on the south side of the creek. Visitors can get to the shelters from the parking area by crossing the foot bridge over the creek.

Both picnic shelters are accessible by paved trails. A comfort station by the West Picnic Shelter has one wheelchair accessible restroom stall. A one-inch threshold must be crossed to enter.

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