Families coming to Decorah for Luther College Family Weekend will have a museum option on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, when Vesterheim plans to offer free admission to eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff, as well as Vesterheim members.
The museum is scheduled to remain open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. The full-day schedule gives visitors time to plan a stop around other Family Weekend activities, whether they want a guided tour, an independent visit or both.
Two guided tours are planned
Vesterheim’s first guided tour is scheduled for 11 a.m. and will focus on the Museum Building. A second tour is planned for 1:30 p.m. and will focus on Heritage Park.
- 11 a.m.: Museum Building tour
- 1:30 p.m.: Heritage Park tour
Because the tours are scheduled at different times, visitors may be able to attend one or both. Families could take the Museum Building tour in the morning, visit Heritage Park later, or explore the museum independently between the scheduled tours.
Visitors may also explore Vesterheim’s collection, heritage spaces and Vesterheim Commons on their own during Saturday’s operating hours. That gives families the option of combining a guided experience with self-guided time.
Who qualifies for free admission?
The free-admission offer is limited to the groups identified in Vesterheim’s event information: Luther College students, faculty and staff, and Vesterheim members. It does not automatically extend to every relative or guest accompanying someone who qualifies.
Vesterheim’s event information does not list a separate admission price for visitors outside those eligible groups. It also does not explain whether additional family or group members qualify for a discount.
Families bringing guests who are not eligible Luther College students, faculty and staff or Vesterheim members should contact Vesterheim before traveling to Decorah. The museum recommends confirming current admission information and asking whether other arrangements are available.
A relationship with Luther College dating to 1877
The Family Weekend plans reflect Vesterheim’s longstanding connection with Luther College. According to the event information, that relationship dates to 1877, when the collection began at the college.
Vesterheim published the plans Aug. 23, 2026, and updated them Aug. 24. Visitors should confirm admission details and tour availability with the museum before making plans, particularly if their group includes guests outside the eligible categories.