Alcatraz Island presents the site of the first West Coast lighthouse and fort, built 1853; the site of a former major federal prison (1934-1963); and the history of the island's 18-month occupation by Native American rights activists (1969-1971). Alcatraz is now a national bird sanctuary. During its prison years, Alcatraz hosted difficult inmates from prisons around the nation, perpetrators of predatory crimes, and Native American prisoners. The Native American occupation began as a symbolic repossessing of ancestral land. Demands for a university, cultural center, and museum were never met. However, the occupation led to greater national recognition of Native American interests.

The site offers a brief orientation, a film on the Native American occupation, other films, exhibits, and an audio tour of the cellhouse's penitentiary period. Evening visits offer guided tours and history narration while aboard the ferry. Day trips lean toward a self-guided experience, while evening trips offer more guided opportunities. The cellhouse audio tour is available in English, German, Spanish, French, Japanese, and Italian. Videos are captioned, a shuttle can transport visitors otherwise unable to reach the cellhouse, and transcriptions of the audio tour are available. The National Park Service recommends purchasing ferry tickets at least one week in advance. The website offers an extensive virtual exhibit.

The Herbert Hoover National Historic Site consists of the cottage in which Hoover was born; the Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum; the graves of Hoover and his wife, Lou Henry Hoover; 81-acres of tallgrass prairie; and sites from the period in which Hoover lived in the area. Hoover (1874-1964), lived in West Branch for the first nine years of his life. An orphan, he would eventually become the 31st President of the United States. The Herbert Hoover Presidential Library and Museum has a separate listing within this database.

The site offers a 12-minute introductory film; exhibits on Hoover's childhood, life, and U.S. history; approximately 3-hour and 45-minute guided field trips; self-guided field trips; guided tours of the Birthplace Cottage, Blacksmith Shop, 1853 Schoolhouse, and the Friends Meeting House where Hoover's parents worshiped; self-guided tours; period rooms; blacksmithing demonstrations; 1.7 miles of trails; guided prairie walks; Junior Ranger activities; research library access; an educator program; and picnic shelters. Wheelchairs are available for use on site. Reservations are required for educational field trips. The website offers a virtual tour, pre-visit orientation video, pre- and post-visit activity suggestions, curriculum guides, a lesson plan, and activities for the prairie walk.

Visitors to this site can discover the beautiful home, studios, and gardens of Augustus Saint-Gaudens, one of America's greatest sculptors. Over 100 of his artworks can be seen in the galleries, from heroic public monuments to expressive portrait reliefs, and the gold coins which changed the look of American coinage. Visitors can also enjoy summer concerts, explore nature trails, or discover their own talents during a sculpture class.

The site offers a short film, exhibits, tours, workshops, other educational programs, and educational and recreational events.