Families visiting Decorah for Luther College Family Weekend will have a full-day museum option at Vesterheim on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Vesterheim is scheduled to open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing visitors 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 available event information does not say that the benefit automatically extends to every relative or guest traveling with an eligible visitor.

Two tours are scheduled

Vesterheim has planned two guided tours during the Saturday opening. The first is scheduled 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 schedule may give visitors time to attend both tours while exploring the museum between them. Guests who prefer to set their own pace can take a self-guided visit.

What visitors should confirm before arriving

Saturday access is scheduled to include Vesterheim’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons. Families can visit before or after other Luther College Family Weekend activities in Decorah.

Visitors who are not eligible Luther students, faculty or staff or Vesterheim members should contact Vesterheim before arriving. The event information does not provide a separate admission price for those visitors, and it does not state whether additional family members or guests will receive a discount.

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

A longstanding Luther connection

The Family Weekend plans reflect Vesterheim’s 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.