Families visiting Decorah for Luther College Family Weekend will have a museum option on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, when Vesterheim plans complimentary admission and two guided tours. The offer applies to eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff, as well as Vesterheim members.
Vesterheim will be open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., allowing visitors to schedule a museum visit around other Family Weekend plans. Guests can take part in a guided tour, explore independently or combine both options during the day.
Tour times and locations
- 11 a.m.: Museum Building tour
- 1:30 p.m.: Heritage Park tour
The tours highlight different parts of the Vesterheim campus. The morning program focuses on the Museum Building, while the afternoon tour centers on Heritage Park. Since the programs are scheduled separately, families may be able to attend one or both, depending on their plans in Decorah.
Visitors who prefer a self-guided experience can use Vesterheim’s regular Saturday hours to explore the museum’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons. The schedule is designed to give guests flexibility between guided programming and independent exploration.
Who qualifies for free admission?
Vesterheim’s event information identifies Luther College students, faculty and staff and Vesterheim members as the groups eligible for complimentary admission. It does not say that every relative or guest accompanying an eligible visitor will automatically enter for free.
Visitors who are not included in those eligibility groups should confirm 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. Checking in advance may help families understand admission arrangements before they arrive.
A connection to Luther College dating to 1877
The Family Weekend programming reflects Vesterheim’s longstanding relationship 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 include Vesterheim in 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. Other guests should contact Vesterheim for current admission information before attending.