Families coming to 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. The free-admission offer is for eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff, as well as Vesterheim members.
Vesterheim will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., giving visitors most of the day to visit the museum campus. Guests can join a scheduled tour, explore on their own or combine both approaches with other Family Weekend plans.
Tour times and locations
- 11 a.m.: Museum Building tour
- 1:30 p.m.: Heritage Park tour
The two guided tours are designed to showcase different portions of the Vesterheim campus. The 11 a.m. program focuses on the Museum Building, while the 1:30 p.m. tour centers on Heritage Park. Because the tours take place at separate times, families may be able to attend one or both, depending on their schedules in Decorah.
Visitors who prefer an independent visit can use Vesterheim’s regular Saturday hours to explore the museum’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons. The event schedule gives guests the flexibility to choose guided programming, self-directed exploration or a combination of the two.
Who receives complimentary admission?
The event information limits free admission to the eligibility groups it identifies: Luther College students, faculty and staff, and Vesterheim members. It does not state that every relative or guest accompanying an eligible visitor will automatically receive free admission.
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 information does not list a separate admission price for non-eligible visitors or explain whether other family or group members qualify for a discount. Confirming those details in advance can help families understand admission arrangements before they arrive.
A connection dating to 1877
The Family Weekend programming reflects Vesterheim’s longstanding connection with Luther College. According to the event information, Vesterheim’s collection began at Luther in 1877.
For eligible visitors, the Sept. 19 schedule offers several ways to build a Vesterheim visit into the weekend: 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.