Jeep Ducking in Des Moines, Iowa: A Heartfelt Tradition
If you’ve been around the Jeep community—like here in Des Moines—you may have noticed something delightfully unexpected: a rubber duck perched on someone’s Wrangler or Gladiator. That’s not a prank—it’s Jeep ducking (a.k.a. Duck Duck Jeep), a global phenomenon rooted in kindness. Let's dive into what it is, how it started, and how you can join the fun right here in Central Iowa.
Origins of Jeep Ducking
The trend began in 2020 when Allison Parliament, a Jeep enthusiast from Ontario, Canada, had a tough encounter while out in her vehicle. She bought a small rubber duck and placed it on a fellow Jeep Wrangler, along with a note that simply said, “Nice Jeep, have a great day.” That little gesture struck a chord—and people began spreading it far and wide as a spontaneous act of connection and joy
Sadly, Allison passed away on June 22, 2024. But her light lives on: what started as one duck has grown into a global movement of positivity, unity, and Jeep pride .
What Is Jeep Ducking?
Put simply: when you spot another Jeep—especially a Wrangler—you leave a rubber duck with a friendly note. The goal isn’t to tag someone—you’re not graffitiing—but to brighten their day . Here’s a breakdown:
- Who: Any Jeep owner recognizing another Jeep.
- What: A small rubber duck, sometimes with a tag: “You’ve been ducked!” or “Nice Jeep!”
- Why: Random act of kindness—smiles, camaraderie, Jeep love.
- Where: Common spots include the door handle, side mirror, front bumper, or dash (known as the “duck pond”)
Jeep Ducking in Des Moines
While the trend took off during the pandemic, it’s still alive and well in Des Moines. Local Jeep clubs occasionally host “duck runs,” handing out ducks at community events, off-road meetups, or just on weekend cruises around Gray’s Lake or Principal Riverwalk. It’s low-key, spontaneous—and always welcomed with a grin.
Nature of the culture here: keep it respectful (don’t stick ducks where they’ll get lost or damage someone’s ride), keep it fun, and lean into those Jeep waves too. After all, we’re part of a bigger Jeep family.
How to Start Ducking (or Get Ducked!)
- Get Supplies: Order small rubber ducks (look for yellow or novelty ones) and tags via Amazon or your local Hobby Lobby. Writing “#DuckDuckJeep” or a little note is optional but fun. Here is a link
- Have a Stash in Your Jeep: A few ducks in the glovebox are perfect for spontaneous ducking.
- Leave Nicely: Place it on a visible spot—door handle, mirror edge—where the owner will discover it quickly .
- Collect Ducks: When someone ducks your Jeep, display the duck on your dash or toss it back to another Jeep later.
- Share the Joy: Snap a pic, tag it with #DuckDuckJeep on Instagram, or share in local Jeep groups.
- Come on over to Deery Brothers Waukee Jeep to test drive one of our many Jeep Wranglers!
Final Quack
Jeep ducking is more than a hashtag—it’s a movement of kindness on four wheels. In Des Moines, where Jeep culture is alive whether heading to Pappajohn Sculpture Park or hitting the trails in nearby forests, it's a perfect way to connect. Grab a duck or two, hide a note, share the joy—and soon enough, your Jeep might be sporting its own collection of little quacky tokens.
Let’s keep spreading smiles, one duck at a time.
Want to get involved? Check out local Jeep events or start a duck run of your own. And if you catch me out and about, don’t be surprised if you find a duck welcoming you home!
- Deery Brothers Jeep of Waukee
