Families visiting Decorah for Luther College Family Weekend will have a museum option on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, when Vesterheim offers complimentary admission and two guided tours to eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff, along with Vesterheim members.
Vesterheim will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing visitors most of the day to explore the museum campus. Guests can choose a guided tour, explore independently or combine both options with the rest of their Family Weekend schedule.
Tour times and locations
- 11 a.m.: Museum Building tour
- 1:30 p.m.: Heritage Park tour
The two tours highlight different parts of the Vesterheim campus. The morning tour focuses on the Museum Building, while the afternoon tour centers on Heritage Park. Since the tours are scheduled separately, families may be able to attend one or both, depending on their other plans in Decorah.
Visitors who prefer to set their own pace can use Vesterheim’s regular Saturday hours to see the museum’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons. The event information allows guests to select guided programming, independent exploration or a combination of the two.
Who qualifies for free admission?
The complimentary admission offer is limited to the eligibility groups identified in the museum’s event information: Luther College students, faculty and staff, and Vesterheim members. It does not say that every relative or guest accompanying an eligible visitor will automatically enter free.
Visitors who are not Luther College students, faculty or staff or Vesterheim members should check admission details with Vesterheim before traveling to Decorah. The available event information does not provide a separate admission price for non-eligible visitors or explain whether additional family or group members qualify for a discount. Confirming those details in advance can help families understand how admission will work when they arrive.
A longstanding Luther connection
The Family Weekend programming reflects the connection between Vesterheim and Luther College. According to the event information, Vesterheim’s collection began at Luther in 1877.
For eligible visitors, the Sept. 19 schedule offers three ways to plan a Vesterheim visit: the 11 a.m. Museum Building tour, the 1:30 p.m. Heritage Park tour or independent exploration during the museum’s 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. opening. Non-eligible guests should contact Vesterheim for current admission information before attending.