Families visiting 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 welcome visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing guests to join guided tours, explore independently or combine the two.

Free admission is planned for eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff, as well as Vesterheim members. The benefit is not automatically described as applying to every relative or guest traveling with an eligible visitor, so families should confirm the details before arriving.

Two guided tours are planned

Vesterheim has scheduled two guided tours during the Saturday opening. The first is planned for 11 a.m. in the Museum Building, followed by a 1:30 p.m. tour at Heritage Park.

  • 11 a.m.: Museum Building tour
  • 1:30 p.m.: Heritage Park tour

The schedule could allow visitors to attend both tours, with time between them to explore the museum. Guests who prefer a self-guided visit can move through Vesterheim at their own pace.

Saturday access is scheduled to include the museum’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons. Visitors may be able to plan a stop before or after other Luther College Family Weekend activities.

What families should confirm before traveling

Vesterheim’s event information identifies Luther College students, faculty and staff and Vesterheim members as eligible for free admission. The information does not provide a separate admission price for visitors outside those groups, and it does not state whether additional family members or guests will receive a discount.

Relatives or guests who are not eligible Luther students, faculty or staff or Vesterheim members should contact Vesterheim before their visit. The museum recommends confirming current admission information and asking whether other arrangements are available.

Visitors should also verify that both tours remain available, particularly if their group includes people who do not qualify for free admission. Admission eligibility, pricing for additional guests and tour availability may need to be confirmed before plans are finalized.

Vesterheim’s connection to Luther College

The Family Weekend plans reflect 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. Decorah Today’s listing was published Aug. 24 and updated Aug. 25.