Families coming to Decorah for Luther College Family Weekend 2026 will have a museum option available on Saturday, Sept. 19, when Vesterheim offers complimentary admission and two guided tours to eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff, as well as Vesterheim members.
Vesterheim will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving visitors most of the day to explore the museum campus, visit independently or combine self-guided time with one of the scheduled tours. The free-admission offer is limited to the eligibility groups identified in the museum’s event information.
Tour times and locations
- 11 a.m.: Museum Building tour
- 1:30 p.m.: Heritage Park tour
The tours cover different parts of the Vesterheim campus. The morning tour focuses on the Museum Building, while the afternoon option centers on Heritage Park. Because the tours are scheduled at separate times, families may be able to fit one or both into their Family Weekend plans, depending on their other activities in Decorah.
Visitors who prefer to set their own pace can use the museum’s regular Saturday hours to explore Vesterheim’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons. The event information allows guests to choose between guided tours, independent exploration or a combination of the two.
What visitors should confirm
The complimentary admission offer does not state that every relative or guest accompanying an eligible visitor will automatically enter free. Visitors who are not Luther College students, faculty or staff or Vesterheim members should check admission details with the museum before traveling to Decorah.
The available event information does not provide a separate admission price for non-eligible visitors or explain whether additional family or group members qualify for a discount. Confirming those details in advance may help families understand how admission will work when they arrive.
A longstanding Luther connection
The Family Weekend programming reflects the connection between Vesterheim and Luther College. According to the event information, Vesterheim’s collection began at Luther in 1877.
For eligible visitors, the Sept. 19 schedule provides three ways to plan a Vesterheim visit: the 11 a.m. Museum Building tour, the 1:30 p.m. Heritage Park tour or independent exploration during the museum’s 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. opening. Non-eligible guests should contact Vesterheim for current admission information before attending.