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 Centre, 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 centre. 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 kilometres) east of Iowa City. Fly to Eastern Iowa Airport in the southern outskirts of Cedar Rapids and drive southeast for 30 miles (50 kilometres) 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
The price is AU$101 per night from 20 Aug to 21 Aug
AU$101
20 Aug - 21 Aug
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. ...
6.4/10 (492 reviews)
"No coffee in room. Very inconvenient.."

Reviewed on 10 Aug. 2025

Days Inn by Wyndham West Branch Iowa City Area
Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown

3 out of 5
255 E Court St, Iowa City, IA
The price is AU$155 per night from 25 Aug to 26 Aug
AU$155
25 Aug - 26 Aug
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! (1,155 reviews)
"Excellent experience and tremendous value. Very clean and comfortable with large rooms. The staff was friendly, efficient and empowered to make decisions. Highly recommend!!!!"

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Coralville Iowa City

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Coralville Iowa City

3 out of 5
2702 Acorn Drive, Coralville, IA
Fully refundableReserve now, pay when you stay
The price is AU$123 per night from 31 Aug to 1 Sept
AU$123
31 Aug - 1 Sept
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 3-star business-friendly hotel in Coralville. Enjoy free breakfast, free parking, and a fitness center. Our guests praise the breakfast and the ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (642 reviews)
"Great stay overnight"

Reviewed on 14 Aug. 2025

La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Coralville Iowa City
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! (40 reviews)
"It was a wonderful place to stay for our annual family weekend. There was endless space for everyone to enjoy each other, yet there was room to have some quiet time also. The view was amazing and we would definitely stay here again."

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 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! (217 reviews)
"Absolutely 5 stars! Lisa was a great host! Very responsive. The home is lovely and very welcoming. We would absolutely stay again!"

Reviewed on 13 Aug. 2025

Lake MacBride Cabin & State Park! Near Amana Colonies, Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
Moderne Home - Memorable, Modern, A Must Book - 4 Bedroom Close to Kinnick

Moderne Home - Memorable, Modern, A Must Book - 4 Bedroom Close to Kinnick

Iowa City
Stay at this vacation home in Iowa City. Enjoy laundry facilities and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kinnick Stadium and Stanley Museum of Art are located ...
Moderne Home - Memorable, Modern, A Must Book - 4 Bedroom Close to Kinnick
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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