Families coming to Decorah for Luther College Family Weekend will have a museum option available throughout Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, as Vesterheim plans free admission for eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff, as well as Vesterheim members. The museum is scheduled to be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The day is designed to accommodate both planned and independent visits. Guests can attend a guided tour, explore Vesterheim on their own or combine the two. Visitors will be able to spend time with the museum’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons during the Saturday opening.
Two tours are planned
Vesterheim has scheduled two guided tours at different locations. The first is set for 11 a.m. in the Museum Building. The second is planned for 1:30 p.m. at Heritage Park.
- 11 a.m.: Museum Building tour
- 1:30 p.m.: Heritage Park tour
Because the tours are separated by time, visitors may be able to attend one or both. A family could begin with the Museum Building tour, use the time between programs to explore, and then continue to Heritage Park for the afternoon tour.
The self-guided option may also allow visitors to fit Vesterheim around other Family Weekend plans. Families can schedule one tour and spend additional time exploring the museum’s exhibits and heritage spaces independently.
Who qualifies for free admission?
The free-admission offer applies only to the groups identified in Vesterheim’s event information: Luther College students, faculty and staff, and Vesterheim members. It does not automatically include every relative or guest accompanying an eligible person.
Vesterheim’s event information does not provide a separate admission price for visitors outside those eligible categories. It also does not say whether additional family or group members qualify for a discount.
Families bringing guests who are not eligible Luther College students, faculty or staff or Vesterheim members should contact Vesterheim before traveling to Decorah. The museum recommends confirming current admission information and asking whether other arrangements are available.
A connection dating to 1877
The Family Weekend plans reflect the longstanding relationship between Vesterheim and Luther College. According to the event information, that connection dates to 1877, when the collection began at the college.
Vesterheim published the plans Aug. 23, 2026, and updated them Aug. 24. Visitors should confirm admission details and tour availability with the museum before making plans, especially if their group includes guests outside the eligible categories.