The Peabody Ducks

In a city full of music, tradition, and history, Memphis really knows how to roll out the red carpet. Perhaps no walk (or dare we say waddle) down the red carpet is more infamous in the city than that of the Peabody Ducks. Catching the 5-duck march to and from the elevator in the historic Peabody Hotel lobby is a sight to behold.

This delightful attraction takes place inside the lobby of the Peabody Hotel daily at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. The famous ducks strut their stuff on and off the elevator to musical fanfare in front of anxious onlookers.

At the center of the grand lobby, where the Mississippi Delta has been said to begin, stands the classic Peabody fountain. Carved from one piece of Italian travertine marble, the fountain is famous in its own right. However, the elegant fountain is better known worldwide because of its residents.

Twice a day, the ducks march from their luxurious rooftop "Duck Palace" to the lobby fountain, where they swim and entertain visitors. A professional Duckmaster rolls out the red carpet for the famous feathered five, ceremoniously guiding them to and fro in front of throngs of fervent fans.

The hotel’s central location is just a short walk from iconic Memphis landmarks, including Beale Street and the Mississippi Riverfront. If you catch the 5 p.m. duck march, share the day’s adventures at Charlie Vergos’ Rendezvous nearby for some utterly delightful BBQ (not duck).

The Peabody Ducks: Fun Facts & Cool Features

The quirky story of the Peabody Ducks began as a practical joke in 1933, paired with too much Tennessee sippin’ whisky. As the story goes, Peabody General Manager Frank Schutt and an Alabama hunting buddy thought placing three live duck decoys in the hotel’s fountain would be funny. By the next day, the swimming ducks fascinated the public, and the legend was born.

In 1940, Bellman Edward Pembroke, a former animal trainer for the Barnum & Bailey Circus, came up with the idea of delivering the ducks to the fountain each day by teaching them to walk the red carpet. Pembroke was the first Peabody Duckmaster, a title he held for 50 years until retirement in 1991.

Another fascinating part of the Peabody Duck mystique is their elegant rooftop Duck Palace, renovated in 2008 for $200,000. As these are wild mallard ducks, a new group of five is brought in every three months to do the marching honors, while post-march ducks are returned to a local pond.

Beyond the marching ducks, visitors can enjoy fine dining experiences right within or near the Peabody Hotel. Notably, the Peabody does not have duck on its menu. If wandering down to Beale Street, wind down the day at Itta Bena above B.B. King’s Blues Club for cool libations and Southern cuisine.

Whether you catch the mid-morning, evening march, or both, the tradition of the Peabody Ducks is a must-see on any Memphis vacation.

Getting There 

Here are step-by-step driving directions from downtown Memphis, TN, to the Peabody Ducks:

• Head south on N. Main Street toward Union Avenue.
• Turn left onto Union Avenue and continue for approximately 0.4 miles.
• The Peabody Hotel is at 149 Union Avenue, Memphis, TN 38103.

Cost 

Visiting the Peabody Ducks is free! However, additional services, such as dining, parking, and staying at the Peabody Hotel, incur separate charges.