Who doesn’t love finding treasure? An unexpected “win” can really brighten your day, and when it’s tied to tradition and community, so much the better. That’s the idea behind Jeep “Easter eggs.” They are hidden designs found only on Jeeps, and hunting for them is half the fun. 

When and How Did Jeep Easter Eggs Start?

The first Jeep Easter egg was included back in 1997. Vehicle designer Michael Santoro wanted a special “signature” to be on every Jeep model. It wasn’t something that would be advertised or plainly known. Like the name implies, it was something that people would have to search to find. According to Motor Authority, the first Easter egg was the seven-grille bar theme that Santoro repeated on the vehicle’s cowl to help air flow into the vehicle. Jeep owns that particular design, and his intent was to stay true to Jeep’s roots and make a Jeep even “more of a Jeep.” 

It’s a Jeep Thing

See, owning a Jeep is more than just having a vehicle. Whether it’s the Jeep wave, Jeep ducking, or Jeep Easter eggs, the Jeeping experience is about community. It’s an inside connection that sets Jeep owners apart from other drivers and turns a group of enthusiasts into a secret circle of people who know things and do things only for them.

In fact, searching for and finding these design elements has become a group activity. People ask about them, post pictures and videos, and generally discuss all models of Jeeps and the Easter eggs they have hunted and found.

What Kinds of Eggs Are There?

Besides the seven-bar grill, hidden objects include animals such as a gecko, spider, shark, beetle, and T-Rex. There is even a Sasquatch and a Loch Ness monster. Other pictures include a shovel and a pickaxe, an American flag, trail maps, paint splatters, flip flops, and even a patch of Morse Code. Of course, we can’t forget the logos like the original Willys Jeep silhouette and any number of other models that might show up around your vehicle. In fact, some sources say there are up to 30 different Easter eggs to be found in some models.

Where Do You Find Them?

Designs and locations vary by model, and you won’t find any Easter Eggs on Jeeps made before 1997 or any Jeep Patriots. There are lots of articles online to tell you exactly where and what to find on each model, but for those who just want to be surprised, here are a few places to start hunting.

• Front and rear windshields
• On the wheels
• On the hood
• Under the hood
• Hood cowling
• Headlights
• Under the wipers
• Near the gas filler
• Under the gas cap
• Under the seats
• On the gear shift
• Brake pedal
• Under the floormats
• On the dashboard
• Within the instrument cluster screen
• On the back door
• In the cargo area
• Under the seats
• And more!

One More Treasure You Don’t Have to Hunt

Jeep Easter Eggs are fun, but this time of year, we must also remember the true treasure that can only found in the Lord Jesus Christ. God sent His one and only Son to live a perfect, sinless life. He was crucified and buried but arose again three days later. By His death and resurrection, He made a way for us to be reconciled to Himself. Because He lives, we have hope for the future. For more information, read Why Do I Need to Be Saved?

Please consider joining the private Facebook group #DuckforJesus Jeepers & Cruisers. Let’s post pictures and share testimonies to encourage each other while we occupy until He comes.