Families coming to Decorah for Luther College Family Weekend will have a full-day museum option at Vesterheim on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. The museum plans to open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., offering visitors the choice of guided tours, self-guided exploration or a combination of both.
Free admission is scheduled for eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff, as well as Vesterheim members. The offer does not automatically extend to every relative or guest accompanying an eligible visitor, so families bringing additional guests should confirm the rules with Vesterheim before making travel plans.
Two tours are planned for Sept. 19
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 timing may allow visitors to attend both tours, with time between them to explore the museum.
- 11 a.m.: Museum Building tour
- 1:30 p.m.: Heritage Park tour
Visitors who prefer to explore independently can move through Vesterheim at their own pace. Saturday access is scheduled to include the museum’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons, allowing families to visit before or after other Luther College Family Weekend activities.
Who qualifies for free admission?
Vesterheim’s event information identifies Luther College students, faculty and staff and Vesterheim members as eligible for free admission. It does not list a separate admission price for visitors outside those categories, and it does not say whether other family or group members will receive a discount.
As a result, visitors traveling with relatives or guests who are not eligible Luther students, faculty or staff or Vesterheim members should contact the museum before arriving in Decorah. Vesterheim recommends confirming current admission information and asking whether other arrangements are available. Visitors should also verify that the tours remain available, particularly if their group includes people who do not qualify for free admission.
A relationship with Luther College dating to 1877
The Family Weekend plans reflect Vesterheim’s longstanding connection with Luther College. According to the event information, the relationship dates to 1877, when the collection began at the college.
Vesterheim published the plans Aug. 23, 2026, and updated them Aug. 24. Decorah Today’s listing was published Aug. 24 and updated Aug. 25. Because admission eligibility, pricing for additional guests and tour availability may require confirmation, families should check with Vesterheim before finalizing their plans.