Families coming to Decorah for Luther College Family Weekend will have a flexible museum option on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, when Vesterheim plans to offer free admission to eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff and to Vesterheim members. The museum is scheduled to be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The offer gives visitors several ways to include Vesterheim in a busy weekend schedule. Guests may join one of two guided tours, explore the museum independently or combine both options. Saturday access is scheduled to include Vesterheim’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons.
Two guided tours are planned
Vesterheim has scheduled tours at two 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 time between the programs may allow visitors to attend both. A group could begin with the Museum Building tour, spend the intervening time visiting the museum and its exhibits, and then continue to Heritage Park for the afternoon program.
Visitors who do not want to join a guided tour can plan a self-guided visit instead. That option may make it easier for families to fit Vesterheim around other Luther Family Weekend activities while still seeing the museum’s exhibits and heritage spaces.
Who qualifies for free admission?
Free admission is listed for Luther College students, faculty and staff, as well as Vesterheim members. The offer does not automatically extend to every relative or guest accompanying someone who qualifies.
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, especially when a group includes guests who are not eligible for free admission.
A connection dating to 1877
The Family Weekend program reflects 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. Because admission eligibility, pricing for additional guests and tour availability may require confirmation, visitors should check with the museum before making the trip.