Families arriving in Decorah for Luther College Family Weekend will have a museum option on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, when Vesterheim plans to offer free admission to 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 offer is designed to give visitors flexibility during a busy weekend. Guests can join a guided tour, explore Vesterheim independently or combine both options. Saturday access is scheduled to include the museum’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons.
Two guided tours are planned
Vesterheim has scheduled two tours at separate locations. The first begins at 11 a.m. in the Museum Building. The second starts at 1:30 p.m. at Heritage Park.
- 11 a.m.: Museum Building tour
- 1:30 p.m.: Heritage Park tour
The spacing between the programs may allow visitors to attend both. A family could begin with the Museum Building tour, spend the time between programs visiting the museum and its exhibits, and then continue to Heritage Park for the afternoon tour.
Visitors who prefer not to join a guided program can plan a self-guided visit. That option may help families fit Vesterheim around other Luther Family Weekend activities while still visiting the museum’s exhibits and heritage spaces.
Who qualifies for free admission?
According to the event information, free admission applies to Luther College students, faculty and staff, and Vesterheim members. The offer does not automatically include every relative or guest accompanying someone who qualifies.
The event information does not list a separate admission price for visitors outside those categories, and it does not say whether additional family or group members will receive a discount. Families bringing guests who are not eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff or Vesterheim members should contact Vesterheim before traveling to Decorah.
The museum recommends confirming current admission details and asking whether other arrangements are available. Visitors should also verify tour availability before making plans, particularly if their group includes guests who do not qualify for free admission.
A connection dating to 1877
The Family Weekend program reflects the longstanding relationship between Vesterheim and Luther College. The event information says that connection dates to 1877, when the collection began at the college.
Vesterheim published the plans on Aug. 23, 2026, and updated them on Aug. 24. Admission eligibility, pricing information for additional guests and tour availability should be confirmed with the museum before the visit.