Families coming to Decorah for Luther College Family Weekend will have a full-day museum option on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, when Vesterheim is scheduled to offer free admission to eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff, as well as Vesterheim members.
Vesterheim plans to open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. that Saturday. Visitors may take part in a guided tour, explore independently or combine the two approaches while fitting a museum visit around other Family Weekend activities.
Two tours are planned
The museum has scheduled guided tours at two 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
The timing may allow visitors to attend both programs. A group could start with the Museum Building tour, spend time viewing Vesterheim’s exhibits and collection, and then continue to Heritage Park for the afternoon program.
Visitors who prefer to move at their own pace can plan a self-guided visit. Saturday access is scheduled to include the museum’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons.
Who qualifies for free admission?
The free-admission offer is specifically listed for Luther College students, faculty and staff, along with 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 categories, and it does not say whether additional family or group members will receive a discount. Families bringing guests who are not eligible Luther students, faculty or staff or Vesterheim members should contact the museum before traveling to Decorah.
Vesterheim recommends confirming current admission details and asking whether other arrangements are available. Visitors should also verify tour availability before finalizing plans, especially when a group includes guests who do not qualify for free admission.
A Luther connection dating to 1877
The Family Weekend program reflects Vesterheim’s longstanding relationship with 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. Since eligibility, pricing for additional guests and tour availability may require confirmation, visitors should check with the museum before making the trip.