News Release

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is beginning to increase recreational access to its historic buildings

Date: June 9, 2020
Contact: Garrett Cloer, 3196437860

West Branch, IA – Following guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), and state and local public health authorities, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is increasing recreational access and services. The National Park Service (NPS) is working servicewide with federal, state, and local public health authorities to closely monitor the COVID-19 pandemic and using a phased approach to increase access on a park-by-park basis.

Beginning Sunday, June 14, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site will reopen access to:  
 

• Birthplace Cottage
• Schoolhouse
• Friends Meetinghouse
• Blacksmith Shop

In addition, the following spaces continue to be available:   
 

• Park Grounds
• Tallgrass Prairie 
   

With public health in mind, the following facilities remain closed at this time:
 

• Visitor Center
   

"We are excited to increase access to the park while safeguarding the health and safety of our staff, visitors, and community,” Park Superintendent Pete Swisher said. “As we continue to navigate this uncertain time, we ask that you follow local and national guidelines to ensure your safety and that of others you may come in contact with during your visit."

The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners continues to be paramount. At Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, our operational approach will be to examine each facility function and service provided to ensure those operations comply with current public health guidance, and will be regularly monitored. We continue to work closely with the NPS Office of Public Health using CDC guidance to ensure public and workspaces are safe and clean for visitors, employees, partners, and volunteers.  

While these areas are accessible for visitors to enjoy, a return to full operations will continue to be phased and services may be limited. When recreating, the public should follow local area health orders, practice Leave No Trace principles, avoid crowding and avoid high-risk outdoor activities.

The CDC has offered guidance to help people recreating in parks and open spaces prevent the spread of infectious diseases. We will continue to monitor all park functions to ensure that visitors adhere to CDC guidance for mitigating risks associated with the transmission of COVID-19, and take any additional steps necessary to protect public health.  

Details and updates on park operations will continue to be posted in Current Conditions and on social media channels. We highly recommend downloading the park mobile app to make the most of your visit! Updates about NPS operations will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus.

www.nps.gov


About the National Park Service. More than 20,000 National Park Service employees care for America's 419 national parks and work with communities across the nation to help preserve local history and create close-to-home recreational opportunities. Learn more at www.nps.gov, and on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and YouTube.