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 Center, 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 center. 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 kilometers) east of Iowa City. Fly to Eastern Iowa Airport in the southern outskirts of Cedar Rapids and drive southeast for 30 miles (50 kilometers) 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 7 Aug to 8 Aug
AU$101
7 Aug - 8 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. ...
6.2/10 (488 reviews)
"Very nice place. Room was very clean and comfortable. Bathroom looked recently updated and was clean. The breakfast in the morning was good with several options. Checking in was fast and the gentleman who helped us was very polite and well spoken."

Reviewed on 3 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$156 per night from 11 Aug to 12 Aug
AU$156
11 Aug - 12 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! (1,144 reviews)
"I left my purse in the dresser of our room and didn't realize until we had gotten all the way home (2 hours away). I called the front desk, they located my purse, and I was able to pick it up. Thank you to your honest staff :)"

Reviewed on 4 Aug. 2025

Hyatt Place Iowa City Downtown
Graduate by Hilton Iowa City

Graduate by Hilton Iowa City

4 out of 5
210 S Dubuque St, Iowa City, IA
The price is AU$175 per night from 10 Aug to 11 Aug
AU$175
10 Aug - 11 Aug
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 4-star business-friendly hotel in Iowa City. Enjoy free WiFi, a 24-hour fitness center, and parking (surcharge). Our guests praise the helpful staff ...
9/10 Wonderful! (1,058 reviews)
"Neat hotel!! Fun atmosphere. Fun decore. Very close to Iowa campus."

Reviewed on 31 Jul. 2025

Graduate by Hilton 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)
Great for a large family gathering
"Really great rustic home. Quiet property with millions of fireflies made for an unforgettable family home. We had 4 generations under one roof for a long weekend and the house accommodated us perfectly. Tons of games for the kids and rooms big enough when we wanted to be together and enough space ..."

Reviewed on 22 Jun. 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! (215 reviews)
"What a unique property. The different floor levels told its own story and feel to it. Never made it down to the water, but the open yard in the back was perfect for the dogs to play. Great for a larger family. Thanks for the memories."

Reviewed on 30 Jul. 2025

Lake MacBride Cabin & State Park! Near Amana Colonies, Iowa City & Cedar Rapids
Worthington Dr Sw acreage

Worthington Dr Sw acreage

Cedar Rapids
Enjoy laundry facilities, patios, and an in-room coffeemaker. Popular attractions Mount Trashmore and Hawkeye Downs Speedway Expo Center are located nearby.
10/10 Exceptional! (27 reviews)
Perfect Property
"My son was attending a baseball tournament in the area and we have been all hotel’d out. This was the perfect place to call home base for the time we were here. Super Clean, Super responsive owner . I highly recommend"

Reviewed on 27 Jul. 2025

Worthington Dr Sw acreage
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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