THE FANTASTICAL ORIGIN STORY OF
TODD THE SQUID
In the small town of Granite Falls, nestled along the Minnesota River, a strange and wonderful creature has become the talk of the town. A squid named Todd is an unexpected temporary resident of the river, far from any ocean. But how did Todd come to live in the Minnesota River?
Though no one can say for sure how Todd came to be, one thing is certain: Todd has become a beloved part of Granite Falls with his presence bringing joy and wonder to our rural Minnesota River Valley community.
Children gather by the riverbanks, hoping to catch a glimpse of tentacles as Todd playfully splashes about. Local artists paint murals of Todd, and each year the town celebrates “SquidFest,” where everyone gathers together to play, create, and enjoy community.
While recent research is making historical discoveries, Todd the Squid remains an ongoing mystery, leaving the lore of SquidFest truly up for debate. Granite Falls Locals and SquidFest participants have had different theories throughout the years including the following: The Cosmic Traveler, The Great Escaper, and The Evolutionary Wonder.
KEEP READING TO LEARN ABOUT THESE THEORIES!
Some believe that Todd is not of this world at all. According to local stargazer Hal "Comet" Larson, “Todd arrived from a distant planet.” Hal swears he saw a comet streak across the sky one April night, landing with a splash in the Minnesota River. The next day, a giant orange Todd appeared. Hal insists that the comet wasn’t just a hunk of space rock—it was a vessel from another world, carrying Todd on a mission to explore Earth. Todd’s bioluminescent spots, which glow faintly at night, seem to support Hal’s theory. To Hal, Todd is a cosmic traveler, a curious explorer from a distant ocean planet, sent to study the rivers of Earth.
The Cosmic Traveler
Many Granite Falls locals have a more down-to-earth explanation. On the outskirts of town, an old research lab has sat abandoned for years. Since closing, rumors persist that it once housed a team of scientists conducting experiments on marine life. Was Todd part of an experiment to adapt marine species to freshwater environments? Locals believe that Todd escaped in a bat of confusion during a stormy night causing a power outage at the lab and made his way to the closest body of water he could find, the Minnesota River.
The great escaper
But perhaps the most widely accepted theory is that Todd is a product of natural evolution. With climate change altering ecosystems worldwide, some believe that Todd is simply an example of nature’s incredible adaptability. As ocean temperatures rise and habitats change, a population of squid have been forced to adapt, slowly making their way up rivers like the Mississippi, until one of them—Todd—found himself in the Minnesota River. Over time, Todd evolved to survive in freshwater, becoming a symbol of nature’s resilience in the face of environmental change.
The Evolutionary Wonder
CEPHALOPOD FACT FINDERS
DISclaimer: Research on Todd the Squid is ongoing, including interviews from both local animals and the people of Granite Falls. All information is subject to change. Join us at SquidFest every third saturday in August to learn the latest discoveries!
Local residents and researchers developed an app which allows them to communicate with squids, pelicans, and turtles. Using said app to speak with Todd, the following subjective facts were gathered:
FACT #1: Todd claims that he only vacations in Granite Falls where he has a great love for the river, the artsy and creative atmosphere, and the people in the community. To him, it’s a miracle worth celebrating that a squid such as he is able to exist in the Minnesota River. locals began the beloved SquidFest event to join him in celebration and to welcome Todd back to his favorite vacation spot every August.
Fact #2: Todd believes that it all started several years ago when he met Dave the Pelican. He says that he met Dave by chance when they both found themselves all turned around during another great midwestern storm. They quickly became friends, bonding over their mutual love for the beauty of the Minnesota River Valley and for the good people of Granite Falls. After that stormy night, Todd braved the journey back to Granite Falls with Dave the Pelican and has returned annually ever since.
fact #3: Dave the Pelican spoke highly of Granite Falls, believing that Todd would really love it there as a squid. On their first journey to the area, Todd hitched a ride in the mouth of Dave the Pelican as Dave and his family migrated to Granite Falls for the summer. The following year, Todd grew substantially in size where mouth travel was no longer viable. Thankfully, Dave the Pelican and his pelican family have dedicated to helping Todd travel with them back to Granite Falls every April and leaves with them when they head out in the fall… their new mode of transporting todd remains a mystery.
fact #4: While Todd the Squid is obviously an invasive species in the Minnesota River, he is a respectful and responsible squid by removing himself from the river after vacation, knowing that staying would be bad for the river’s health…unlike other species like the irresponsible carp.
fact #5: Todd can often be seen chatting the lazy summer days away along the river behind his Bluenose Gopher Public House with a local turtle he’s befriended, Spinach Ron. The pair share a passion for greenery, philosophy, nature, and art, drawing people and animals alike to their positive spirits and growth mindsets.
fact #6: Todd says despite conspiracies and rumors, the most important thing to remember is his love for Granite Falls. He states that SquidFest is a party to honor his annual visits and to connect with the community, celebrate art and creation, and to learn how to take better care of the Earth around us.
Any and all information, including factual and fictional information, personal stories, conspiracies theories, or interactions can be reported directly to the local researchers studying Todd the Squid. click the button below to make a report.