Families visiting Decorah for Luther College Family Weekend will have a museum option on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, when Vesterheim plans to offer complimentary admission to eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff, along with Vesterheim members.
The museum is scheduled to welcome visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at its museum campus in Decorah. During the day, guests can choose between guided tours and independent exploration, giving families flexibility as they plan around other Family Weekend activities.
Two tours are scheduled
Vesterheim has planned two guided tours for Saturday. The first begins at 11 a.m. and focuses on the Museum Building. The second is scheduled for 1:30 p.m. and highlights Heritage Park.
- 11 a.m.: Museum Building tour
- 1:30 p.m.: Heritage Park tour
Because the tours are scheduled at different times, families may be able to attend one or both, depending on their Luther College Family Weekend plans. Visitors who prefer to move at their own pace can instead take a self-guided visit during the museum’s regular Saturday hours.
Independent visitors can see Vesterheim’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons. Guests may select a guided tour, a self-guided visit or a combination of the two.
Who qualifies for complimentary admission?
The free-admission offer is limited to the groups identified in Vesterheim’s event information: Luther College students, faculty and staff, and Vesterheim members. It does not automatically extend to every relative or guest accompanying an eligible person.
The event information does not list a separate admission price for visitors outside those groups or explain whether additional family or group members qualify for a discount. Families planning to attend with guests who are not Luther College students, faculty or staff or Vesterheim members should contact Vesterheim before traveling to Decorah. The museum can provide current admission information and explain whether other arrangements are available.
A connection to Luther College dating to 1877
Vesterheim’s event information says its relationship with Luther College dates to 1877, when the collection began at the college. For eligible visitors attending Family Weekend, the Sept. 19 schedule provides a morning Museum Building tour, an afternoon Heritage Park tour or independent exploration at any point between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m.