Families visiting 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., giving visitors time to explore independently or join one of two scheduled guided tours.

Free admission is planned for eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff, along with Vesterheim members. The available event information does not say that free admission automatically extends to every relative or guest accompanying someone who qualifies.

Two guided tours are scheduled

The first guided tour is set for 11 a.m. in the Museum Building. A second tour is planned for 1:30 p.m. at Heritage Park. Visitors may be able to attend both tours, using the time between them to explore Vesterheim at their own pace.

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

Guests who prefer a more flexible visit can take a self-guided tour instead. Saturday access is scheduled to include Vesterheim’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons.

What Decorah visitors should confirm

Families can arrange their museum visit before or after other Luther College Family Weekend activities in Decorah. However, visitors who are not eligible Luther students, faculty or staff, or Vesterheim members, should contact the museum before arriving.

The event information does not list a separate admission price for visitors who do not qualify for free entry. It also does not state whether additional family members or guests will receive a discount. Families may therefore need to confirm admission eligibility, pricing for additional guests and tour availability before finalizing their plans.

Visitors should also verify that both guided tours remain available, especially if their group includes people who are not eligible for free admission. The published information describes the plans as scheduled, but does not provide further details about reservations or capacity.

A long connection between Vesterheim and 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.