Families arriving in Decorah for Luther College Family Weekend will have a full-day museum option at Vesterheim on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. The museum is scheduled to offer free admission to eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff, along with Vesterheim members.
Vesterheim plans to welcome visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The day is designed to accommodate several ways to visit: guests may take part in a guided tour, explore independently or combine both options with other Family Weekend activities.
Two tours are planned
The first guided tour is scheduled for 11 a.m. in the Museum Building. A second tour is planned for 1:30 p.m. at Heritage Park. The schedule may allow visitors to attend both programs, with time between them to explore the museum’s exhibits and collection.
Visitors choosing a self-guided experience can move through the museum at their own pace. Saturday access is scheduled to include Vesterheim’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons, giving families time to visit before or after activities connected to Luther College.
- 11 a.m.: Museum Building tour
- 1:30 p.m.: Heritage Park tour
Free admission has specific eligibility rules
The free-admission offer does not automatically apply to every relative or guest accompanying an eligible visitor. It is specifically identified for Luther College students, faculty and staff, as well as Vesterheim members.
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 Vesterheim before traveling to Decorah.
The museum recommends confirming current admission information and asking whether other arrangements are available. Visitors should also verify that the tours remain available before finalizing plans, particularly when a group includes people who do not qualify for free admission.
A connection dating to 1877
The Family Weekend plans reflect Vesterheim’s longstanding relationship with Luther College. According to the event information, that relationship dates to 1877, when the collection began at the college.
Vesterheim published the plans Aug. 23, 2026, and updated them Aug. 24. Because eligibility, pricing for additional guests and tour availability may require confirmation, visitors should check with the museum before making the trip.