Explore Memphis
March of the Peabody Ducks
Type: Attractions, Family Friendly, Free Attractions
10Best Says
The tradition of the duck march started following a hunting trip in 1932. The story goes that then-general manager of the hotel and his hunting buddies, along with their live decoy ducks, stopped in... Read More
The tradition of the duck march started following a hunting trip in 1932. The story goes that then-general manager of the hotel and his hunting buddies, along with their live decoy ducks, stopped in the Peabody's ornate lobby bar for a glass or three of Jack Daniels. The guys thought it would be a hoot to let the decoys paddle around in the fountain of the lobby bar while they relived the hunt. A tradition was born.
Anthony Petrina is the fifth duck master at the hotel; the job was created in the 1940s when a former Ringling Brothers Barnum & Bailey Circus animal trainer named Edward Pembroke offered to help deliver the ducks to and from the fountain each day. That delivery soon turned into a full-fledged spectacle, with the ducks marching from their rooftop abode, into the elevator, down to the lobby, and across a red carpet into their watery daytime home. The ducks process at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily.
The ducks have appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show and Sesame Street and have been featured in numerous publications, from Sports Illustrated to People.
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Address:
149 Union Avenue
Memphis, TN 38103
901-529-4000
Admissions:
- Free
Website:
peabodymemphis.com
EXPERT TIPS BY:
Sally Walker Davies
Memphis Local Expert
- Things to Do with Kids: "The ducks march at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily; arrive early for the best photo opportunity - and to give your kids an increased chance of being chosen as the honorary Duckmaster."
- Romantic Things to Do: "The ducks march at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily; we prefer the 5 p.m. march so you can enjoy cocktails and a romantic dinner afterwards."
- Free Things to Do, Sightseeing, Attractions near FedExForum: "The ducks march at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m. daily; arrive early for the best photo opportunity - and if you've got kids, they may just be named honorary Duckmaster."
- Best for Things to Do with Kids Because: The duck march is the quintessential kid's attraction in Memphis and is as popular with teens as it is with toddlers.
- Best for Romantic Things to Do Because: The Peabody screams romance, from the lavish lobby to the lush guest rooms. The Duck March is a whimsical way to begin a romantic evening.
- Best for Free Things to Do Because: It's an iconic Memphis must-do,plus the gorgeous hotel is a treat to wander in for - you guessed it - free!
- Best for Sightseeing Because: There's nothing more charming - or random - than the Peabody duck march.
- Best for Attractions near FedExForum Because: The Peabody is just a few blocks north of the Forum, and its duck march takes place in the historic lobby bar.
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