Hawkeye Hikers Announce a New Walking Route in West Branch

Park superintendent Cheryl A. Schreier, Hawkeye Hikers Cathy Johnson, Donna Heacock, and Bev Prem, and park ranger Helen Schabilion pose for a photo on the grounds of the historic site during the announcement of a new Volksmarch route through West Branch.

NPS PHOTO

News Release Date: October 17, 2007

Contact: Bonnie Blaford, [phone]

On Friday, October 12, The Hawkeye Hikers announced a new Volksmarch walk through West Branch at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. A Volksmarch is a 10 kilometer route designed to appeal to people of all ages. The Hawkeye Hikers are an Iowa City-based affiliate of the American Volkssport Association, which promotes walking, cycling, swimming, and cross-country skiing. For more information about Volkssport and Volksmarching, contact Cathy Johnson of the Hawkeye Hikers at [phone].

The West Branch Volksmarch is a self-guided activity available year-round. The 10-kilometer walking route begins in downtown West Branch and includes the National Historic Site. Visitors to West Branch interested in walking the route may pick up directions and a map at Dewey’s Jack and Jill grocery store at the corner of Main Street and First Street/Parkside Drive.

Along the route visitors can see the historic buildings and grounds of Herbert Hoover National Historic Site, including the Birthplace Cottage, the Gravesite, and the Tallgrass Prairie. The route also travels through West Branch’s historic commercial district, residential neighborhoods, through the town cemetery, past local churches, and along part of the Herbert Hoover Nature Trail.

Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum are in West Branch, Iowa at exit 254 of I-80. Both are open daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Central Time. Parking is limited so please allow extra time to find a parking space.