1) On January 26, 1838, the treaty of St. Peters was signed between the United States government and the Sioux tribe, ceding much of southern Minnesota to the US. This treaty would later be disputed leading to the US-Dakota War of 1862.

2) January 26, 1863 marked the Battle of Wood Lake, one of the final battles of the US-Dakota War. US troops led by Colonel Henry Sibley defeated a group of Dakota warriors, solidifying their control over the region.

3) On January 26, 1970, the University of Minnesota men's basketball team defeated the top-ranked Ohio State Buckeyes in a thrilling double-overtime game. This upset victory remains one of the greatest in school history.

4) January 26, 1991 saw the opening of the Mall of America in Bloomington, Minnesota. At the time, it was the largest mall in the United States, and remains one of the most visited tourist attractions in Minnesota.

5) In recent years, January 26 in Minnesota has become known as "Free Park Day" thanks to a statewide initiative to encourage outdoor exploration. On this day, all Minnesota state parks waive their entrance fees, allowing visitors to enjoy the beauty of the North Star State at no cost.