Picnic area at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

The picnic area at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is probably the most unique picnic area in any park dedicated to a president in that Hoover actually picnicked here at a shelter that was built for him by the Boy Scouts in 1953. There are two shelters at the park. The one built for Hoover, called the Boy Scout Picnic Shelter, is the one with the stone fireplace. The other one, the East Picnic Shelter, does not have a fireplace.

Boy Scout Picnic Shelter at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

During a visit to West Branch on his 80th birthday (August 10, 1954), Hoover gave a televised speech at the new Herbert Hoover Elementary School, then came to the Boy Scout Picnic Shelter for his birthday party. The shelter was dedicated at that time. Hoover was always a big supporter of youth organizations such as the Boy Scouts.

Dedication plaque on the Boy Scout Picnic Shelter at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

Both picnic shelters can be reserved for group events, but they really aren’t close enough to each other for one group (there is about a hundred yards between them). If they are not reserved, then both are open to picnickers on a first come, first served basis. For more information on reserving a picnic shelter, call the Special Use Permit Coordinator at (319) 643-2541. There is a fee, and a permit application must be submitted. You can get the application on the National Park Service’s Special Uses web page for Herbert Hoover National Historic Site.

There is no parking at the picnic tables, so some walking is required. The closest parking area is on the south side of Hoover Creek next to a footbridge over the creek (the picnic shelters are on the north side). From there it is an 85-yard walk to the Boy Scout Picnic Shelter and a 185-yard walk to the East Picnic Shelter. A paved sidewalk suitable for those in wheelchairs leads right to the tables. A modern restroom is located near the Boy Scout shelter.

To get to the parking lot, drive to the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum. There is a loop road that starts just past the building. I’m not sure if the road is one way, but if not, stay to the right when it forks. There are only a dozen parking spaces, so if you have a large group and need more, guests will either have to park at the Visitor Center or the library. It is a .2-mile walk from either place. You can, however, drop off guests and picnicking supplies at the bridge before parking elsewhere. Keep in mind that the road to the library closes at 10 PM.

View from the Boy Scout Picnic Shelter towards the parking area on the south side of Hoover Creek, Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

There are no grills at the East Picnic Shelter, but you can bring a gas grill with you. It is permissible to burn wood or charcoal in the fireplace at the Boy Scout Picnic Shelter. There are supposedly two grill grates for the fireplace, but it was empty when I visited. Perhaps the park installs them when needed, otherwise you must bring some sort of self-supporting grate to cook on. Or you can just bring a gas grill. The Boy Scout Picnic Shelter also has eight electrical outlets. There is no electricity at the East Picnic Shelter.

East Picnic Shelter at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

The picnic area at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site is very beautiful and well maintained. The ground is level, and there are plenty of shade trees. Hoover Creek runs a little to the south of the shelters, and kids might like to play in it (expect dirty kids afterwards). Other than the walk, it is one of the nicest National Park picnic areas that I have been to.

View of Hoover Creek and the picnic area at Herbert Hoover National Historic Site

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