| alert |
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| contractID |
NRSO |
| description |
Enjoy a creekside picnic under the shelter of one of two scenic picnic areas on the grounds of President Herbert Hoover's birthplace. His home and the park's other historic features symbolize the 31st president's American ideals rooted in his simple beginnings in rural West Branch, Iowa, to his election as president of the United States, and throughout his life of service to the nation and the world. Visitors may reserve one of two picnic shelters at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Both areas are a short walk from the Herbert Hoover birthplace, gravesite and presidential library. President Hoover himself picnicked at the West Shelter while celebrating his 81st birthday. |
| drivingDirection |
Take exit 254 from Interstate 80 to West Branch, Iowa. A quarter-mile south of the highway, turn left toward the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. Drive past the museum and its parking lot, then bear right on the loop drive. Parking for the picnic shelters is on the right by the footbridge. |
| facilitiesDescription |
The West Shelter (also known as the Boy Scout Shelter) accommodates up to 62 people. There are eight wooden tables under the shelter; two are wheelchair accessible. The shelter has eight electrical outlets and two fireplace grills. Charcoal or wood fires are allowed only in the fireplaces at the West Shelter. The East Picnic Shelter accommodates up to 64 people. The East Shelter has no electric outlets and no grills for cooking. There are eight wooden tables under the shelter. |
| facility |
Herbert Hoover National Historic Site Picnic Shelters |
| facilityID |
150240 |
| fullReservationUrl |
http://www.reserveamerica.com/campsiteSearch.do?contractCode=NRSO&parkId=150240&cmp=39-32--joewils |
| importantInformation |
Keep a printed copy of your reservation confirmation email while using the picnic shelter. Events such as weddings, receptions, or parties, may also require a special use permit. If you are not sure if your activity requires a permit, contact the park at (319) 643-2541 after making a reservation. Charcoal or wood fires are allowed only in the fireplaces at the West Shelter. Signs, markers, or other items are not to be attached to any tree, park sign, lamppost, fence, or any other park structure. Please pick up after your group and leave the area cleaner than you found it. Pets must be leashed and under your control at all times. Pet waste must be collected and disposed of immediately- pet waste bags are available on the other side of the bridge nearest to the shelters. Parking is allowed only in designated parking spots. Parking on grass or road shoulders is strictly forbidden. |
| nearbyAttrctionDescription |
Visit historic downtown West Branch, adjacent to the park. Walk the Hoover Nature Trail, which follows the railroad that passed through the president's hometown or drive along the Herbert Hoover Highway, a scenic motor trail that connects West Branch and Iowa City. |
| note |
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| orientationDescription |
The picnic shelters are along the small creek that flows past Herbert Hoover's birthplace and allow easy access to nearby trails that meander through the tallgrass prairie. |
| recreationDescription |
Start your visit at the park visitor center where you can enjoy a short film about Herbert Hoover's childhood in Iowa. Then, take a self-guided walk around the park's historic structures, including the two-room cottage where Herbert Hoover was born, the blacksmith shop, the schoolhouse and Friends Meeting house. Be sure to visit the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum , also located on the grounds of the historic site. |