West Branch, IA

Travel 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 showing heritage architecture
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site which includes 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 ¥8,768 per night from Oct 5 to Oct 6
¥8,768
¥9,821 total
Oct 5 - Oct 6
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 (500 reviews)
Nice hotel
"One of the nicer days inn. Quiet and clean Mattress needs replaced but all in all service was good. Clean towels each day"

Reviewed on Sep 21, 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 ¥13,305 per night from Oct 14 to Oct 15
¥13,305
¥15,114 total
Oct 14 - Oct 15
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! (1,222 reviews)
"Staff was welcoming and helpful. Room was clean. Would stay here again."

Reviewed on Sep 25, 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 ¥17,662 per night from Oct 7 to Oct 8
¥17,662
¥19,781 total
Oct 7 - Oct 8
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! (1,068 reviews)
"great place to stay."

Reviewed on Sep 23, 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! (41 reviews)
"We loved the place! We had 7 couples and plenty of room for all of us, lots of bathrooms and nice roomy deck where we sat outside! The guys went golfing and the gals did some shopping, the town of West Branch is charming! We plan to come again next year!"

Reviewed on Sep 8, 2025

Beautiful Cabin on a Vineyard
Riverfront Winter Getaway - HotTub-Games-Firepit

Riverfront Winter Getaway - HotTub-Games-Firepit

North Liberty
Book a stay at this family-friendly cabin in North Liberty. Enjoy free WiFi, a garden, and laundry facilities. Popular attractions Sugar Bottom Park and Raptor ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (39 reviews)
"Great property & location! Loved the waterfront access for fishing & kayaking! Relaxing screened in porch to enjoy the outdoor views without the bugs! Great communication with host, who answered several of our questions promptly. Highly recommend this property!"

Reviewed on Aug 18, 2025

Riverfront Winter Getaway - HotTub-Games-Firepit
406 Large 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Townhome

406 Large 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Townhome

Iowa City
Stay at this vacation home in Iowa City. Enjoy laundry facilities, an in-room coffeemaker, and air conditioning. Popular attractions Kinnick Stadium and Iowa ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Great place
"Loved this townhouse. Visited for a wedding and it worked perfectly for my large family and dog."

Reviewed on Mar 9, 2025

406 Large 3 Bedroom 2 Bath Townhome
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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