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 welcome visitors from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., with opportunities to explore independently, take a self-guided visit or join one of two scheduled guided tours.

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

Two guided tours are scheduled

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

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

Visitors who prefer a more flexible schedule can choose a self-guided tour. Saturday access is scheduled to include Vesterheim’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons.

What Decorah visitors should confirm

Families can plan a Vesterheim 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 available 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 want 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, particularly if their group includes people who are not eligible for free admission. The published plans do not provide further details about reservations or capacity.

A longstanding Luther College connection

The Family Weekend programming reflects 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 published its listing Aug. 24 and updated it Aug. 25.