1. Overview
The famous Peabody Hotel in Downtown Memphis is more than just a nice place to stay; it is also home to one of the city’s most renowned and peculiar attractions.
2. Watching the Duck Parade
Each day at 11 a.m., a parade of five mallard ducks, led by an official Duckmaster, makes its way from the roof of the hotel down to the lobby. A red carpet is rolled out from the elevator as John Philip Sousa’s King Cotton March begins to play, creating an atmosphere of excitement. The ducks march into the fountain of the Peabody’s Grand Lobby, where they casually swim throughout the day while guests relax nearby at the lobby bar.
As the day progresses, the ceremony is reversed at 5 p.m. when the ducks return to their rooftop home, providing guests another opportunity to witness this charming spectacle.
To ensure the best view, it is advisable to arrive early, as the lobby fills with tourists and families eager to capture photos. This attraction is particularly popular among families, but adults also enjoy experiencing the hotel’s historic Memphis ambiance alongside a cocktail in the lobby bar.
Afterward, a visit to the rooftop provides some of the best views in the city, along with a chance to see the Duck Palace.
3. The Duck Palace
The Peabody ducks reside in their Royal Duck Palace on the hotel’s rooftop, a stunning $200,000 structure made of marble and glass that features a delightful duck fountain. The palace is a replica of the hotel itself, providing a nesting area complete with a grassy front yard for the ducks.
4. Meet the Duckmaster
The current Duckmaster is Historian Jimmy Ogle. Ogle not only serves as the Peabody’s ambassador but also promotes Memphis’s rich history through his walking tours. He has dedicated years to his role, which includes caring for the ducks and conducting tours of the historic hotel.
5. The History Behind the Ducks
This unique tradition dates back to 1932 when the hotel’s general manager and a hunting buddy returned from a trip with live duck decoys. The pair humorously decided to place their decoys into the Grand Lobby’s fountain, unknowingly starting a beloved attraction that continues to draw crowds.
In 1940, a dedicated bellman named Edward Pembroke stepped in to train the ducks. Utilizing his skills from working as a circus animal trainer, Pembroke taught the ducks to march and retained the title of Duckmaster until his retirement in 1991.
While there are rumors of turtles and baby alligators being part of the fountain in the 1920s, the ducks have certainly endured as the hotel’s most cherished residents.
6. The Ducks’ Care and Experience
The current team of five ducks consists of one male and four females. Each team works for three months before retiring, with the ducks being raised by a local farmer who takes them back when their time concludes.
For those interested in a more personal experience, there is a special opportunity to enjoy the “Ducky Day” package where guests can participate in the exciting march as an “Honorary Duckmaster.”
A visit to Memphis would be incomplete without witnessing the Peabody Ducks. Interestingly, you do not need to be a hotel guest to see the ducks march, as visitors are warmly encouraged to take part in this delightful experience each day.
7. Contact Information
For more information on visiting, check out The Peabody Hotel:
149 Union Ave.
Memphis, TN 38103
