TJ Mascots

Wally the Walleye swims at Trader Joe’s Minnetonka on Wayzata Blvd — about as Minnesota a mascot as you can possibly pick. The walleye (Sander vitreus) is the official state fish of Minnesota and the single most prized game fish in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. Lake Minnetonka itself, just up the road from the store, is one of the state’s busiest walleye-fishing destinations. ‘Wally Walleye’ is a beloved Minnesota cartoon character/mascot used by the DNR and tourism boards for decades — Trader Joe’s tipping the cap to the local lake culture.