Hoover Tower

Easily seen from everywhere in the surrounding area, Hoover Tower is a central landmark at Stanford University in Palo Alto. It rises to a height of 285 feet, where its observation deck offers excellent views of the campus, the town, the nearby foothills, and the San Francisco Bay Area in the distance. Tours are available from student guides, who will point out various sights and explain local history.

Hoover Tower was constructed in 1941 to celebrate Stanford's 50th anniversary. It is formally part of the Hoover Institution on War, Revolution, and Peace, a research center founded by university alumnus Herbert Hoover, who became America's 31st President. Hoover's wife, Louise Henry, was also a Stanford graduate.

On the ground floor of the structure, rooms display documents and memorabilia from President Hoover's life and career. An elevator is available to take visitors up to the viewing area. Of special interest is the tower belfry, which contains a carillon of 48 bells that were cast in Tournai, Belgium. The largest of these bears the inscription, "For Peace Alone Do I Ring."

Hoover Tower is located at 550 Serra Mall, Stanford, California 94305-6011. It is open daily from 10am to 4pm, but closed during finals and academic breaks. General admission is $2 for adults, and $1 for seniors 65+ and children aged 12 and under. Stanford students, faculty, staff, and family are admitted free of charge. No reservations are required. Tickets may be purchased in the tower lobby.