NPS Photo

Park rangers lead guided tours of historic buildings, including Herbert Hoover's birthplace.

Fees

School groups may visit Herbert Hoover National Historic Site and the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum free of charge.

Reservations

Reserve your school tour by calling the Presidential Library and Museum at (319) 643-5301 or by e-mailing Patricia Seebeck. Once your reservation is confirmed you will receive a confirmation package.

April, May, September, and October are the busiest months for field trips. Please schedule early in the year to ensure your preferred date and time are available.

Guided tours

Most field trips last about 3¾ hours and include:

• a one-hour guided tour in the Presidential Library and Museum, including the Hoover Galleries and the temporary exhibit;
• a one-hour guided tour of National Historic Site, including the Birthplace Cottage, Blacksmith Shop, Schoolhouse, and Friends Meetinghouse;
• a 30-minute film on the life of Herbert Hoover;
• a 15-minute visit to the gravesite of Herbert and Lou Henry Hoover;
• a 15- minute visit to the Museum gift shop;
• 45-minutes for lunch in one of the picnic shelters.

You may substitute a 30-minute self-guided prairie walk for the 15-minute gravesite visit. The prairie walk follows trails through the 81-acre tallgrass prairie and ends at the Hoovers' gravesite.

You may choose to participate in all of these activities, or omit any based on your preference or time constraints. Guided tours are available Monday through Friday starting at 9:00 a.m.

Self-guided tours

School groups are welcome to visit the National Historic Site and the Presidential Library and Museum for self-guided tours, but are encouraged to make advanced reservations to avoid conflicts with other groups.

Be prepared

Most school tours involve both indoor and outdoor activities. See the Plan Your Visit section for directions, operating hours, and things to know before you come.

HEHO! Activity Worksheets and Activities (PDF file, 1.30 MB) are suggested activities for before and after a field trip visit to Herbert Hoover National Historic Site. Other curriculum materials may also help you and your class make the most of you visit.