The Kensington Runestone is discovered on Olof Ohman's farm, near Alexandria. The stone tells of a group of Vikings who traveled to Minnesota in 1362, but its authenticity has long been the subject of debate.

Horace Austin, sixth governor of Minnesota, dies in Minneapolis. He was born on October 15, 1831, in Canterbury, Connecticut. After serving as judge in Minnesota's sixth district, he won the governor's seat over Democrat George L. Otis in 1869. As governor, Austin established a state board of health, divided the state into three Congressional districts, and initiated a geological and natural history survey supervised by the state university.

Northfield illuminates its streets by installing sixty-seven electric lights.

The steamer Algoma wrecks on Isle Royale, killing nearly fifty passengers.

The Virginia Street Church (Swedenborgian), designed by architect Cass Gilbert, is dedicated in St. Paul.

St. Olaf College is incorporated, growing out of the Reverend Julius Muus's preparatory school in Holden. Classes begin on November 6, 1875.

On the same day that Minnesota votes for Abraham Lincoln for president, a horse race in Freeborn County determines the county seat. Albert Lea and Itasca had both been vying for the honor, and corruption and vote buying ran rampant. Adding to the excitement, an Albert Lea racehorse, Old Tom, had been put up to run a race against Itasca's best. The businessmen of Itasca had secretly bought an Iowa racehorse named Fly, the plan being to encourage Albert Lea's folks to bet on Old Tom, win their money, and then buy votes for Itasca.

Thirty-one individuals form the Pioneer Hook and Ladder Company, St. Paul's first volunteer fire-fighting force.

Minneapolis saloons close their doors for "dry Sunday," and no liquor is available for purchase within the city limits.

Lawyer Alan Page is elected associate justice of the state supreme court, the first African American to so serve. Normally judges are appointed by the governor, but unusual circumstances led to a direct election. Voters undoubtedly recalled Page's career with the Minnesota Vikings and his election to the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as well as his work as assistant attorney general.