Families coming to Decorah for Luther College Family Weekend 2026 will have a free opportunity to visit Vesterheim on Saturday, Sept. 19. The museum will open its campus from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. for eligible visitors, with access to exhibits, heritage spaces, Vesterheim Commons and two scheduled guided tours.

The free-admission offer applies to Luther College students, faculty and staff, as well as Vesterheim museum members. The program is designed for Luther-connected visitors and members who are participating in Family Weekend activities in the community.

What visitors can do at Vesterheim

Guests may explore the museum’s collection and campus throughout the day, attend one of the guided tours or combine the tours with independent time in the museum. The full-day schedule gives families flexibility to plan a Vesterheim visit around other events and activities connected with Family Weekend.

Vesterheim’s event information says the collection began at Luther in 1877. That history offers additional context for families visiting from out of town, particularly those interested in the long relationship between Luther College and the Decorah museum.

Tour times and admission details

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

The two tour options focus on different parts of the Vesterheim campus. Visitors can tour the Museum Building in the late morning or visit Heritage Park in the afternoon, with time before or afterward to view the collection and stop at Vesterheim Commons.

People who are not Luther College students, faculty or staff and who are not Vesterheim members should confirm admission details with Vesterheim before making plans. The event information specifically identifies Luther students, faculty, staff and museum members as the groups covered by the free-admission offer.

For eligible visitors, the Sept. 19 program provides a way to add Vesterheim to a Family Weekend itinerary while spending much of the day on the Decorah campus. Families can choose a guided tour at 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m., or use the museum’s 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours to fit a visit around their other plans.