If you are planning a trip to the Peabody Hotel, you may be wondering when the famous ducks walk.
The Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee is known for its unique tradition of having ducks walk through the lobby twice a day.
In this article, we will provide you with all the information you need to know about when the ducks walk at the Peabody Hotel.
History of the Peabody Ducks
When it comes to unique hotel traditions, the Peabody Hotel’s duck march is undeniably one of the most famous. It all started in 1933, when the hotel’s General Manager Frank Schutt and his friend Chip Barwick, who was a hunting enthusiast, returned from a weekend hunting trip and decided it would be funny to put their live duck decoys into the hotel’s fountain. The guests loved it, and thus began the tradition of the Peabody ducks.
- The Beginning of the Tradition: At first, the ducks only made a brief appearance in the hotel’s fountain. But in 1940, the hotel’s bellman suggested making a grand entrance for the ducks by marching them down the red carpet in the lobby. The idea was a hit, and the tradition has continued ever since.
- The Duckmaster: The Peabody ducks are taken care of by a specially trained employee, known as the Duckmaster. The first Duckmaster was Edward Pembroke, who was hired in 1940 to help with the duck march. Today, the position is held by Anthony Petrina, who oversees the ducks’ care and handles their daily walks.
- The Duck Palace: When the ducks are not marching, they reside in their very own Duck Palace on the hotel’s rooftop. The palace includes a fountain, a small pond, and plenty of space for the ducks to relax and play.
- The Peabody Ducks Today: The Peabody ducks are still a beloved tradition at the hotel. Twice daily, the ducks are led down the red carpet from their home in the Duck Palace to the lobby fountain, where they spend the day swimming and entertaining guests. At 5 PM, the ducks are led back up to their palace for a good night’s sleep.
It is worth mentioning that the Peabody Hotel has become so famous for its ducks that it now has sister hotels in Orlando and Memphis, both of which feature their own daily duck marches. Keep in mind that the Peabody ducks have become a bit of a tourist attraction, so be prepared for crowds during the daily march. Unfortunately, visitors are not allowed to touch or feed the ducks, but watching them march is still a fun and unique experience. Remember that the Peabody Hotel is not the only hotel with a unique tradition, but the Peabody ducks have certainly become one of the most iconic.
When Do the Peabody Ducks Walk?
One of the most iconic traditions at the Peabody Hotel is the march of the ducks. Visitors from all over the world come to see these web-footed creatures stroll down the red carpet in the hotel’s lobby fountain twice a day. The ducks have been a beloved fixture of the hotel since the 1930s, and the tradition continues to this day.
The Peabody Ducks march twice a day: once in the morning and once in the afternoon. The exact times can vary depending on the season and day of the week, so it is worth checking the hotel’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Morning Duck March
The morning duck march is a popular event that draws a large crowd. The ducks leave their rooftop palace promptly at 11 a.m. and make their way down the elevator to the lobby. As they strut along the red carpet, the crowd gathers around to take photos and marvel at the spectacle. The ducks then spend the day splashing around in the fountain before being escorted back to their rooftop digs at 5 p.m.
Afternoon Duck March
The afternoon duck march is a more low-key affair and is often less crowded than the morning march. The ducks make their way down to the lobby at 5 p.m., where they spend the evening swimming in the fountain and entertaining hotel guests. At 5:30 p.m., the ducks are escorted back up to their rooftop palace where they spend the night.
Keep in mind that the duck march is a popular attraction, so it is best to arrive early to secure a good viewing spot. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Peabody Hotel has temporarily suspended the duck march until further notice. Remember to check the hotel’s website for updates on when the ducks will be back in action.
Where to Watch the Peabody Ducks Walk
If you’re planning to watch the famous Peabody Ducks walk, it’s important to know where to go. Luckily, there are three great spots to choose from:
- The Peabody Lobby: This is the most popular spot to watch the ducks. Arrive early to grab a good spot, as it can get crowded quickly. Don’t forget to check out the beautiful Italian Renaissance décor while you wait.
- The Mezzanine: If you want a quieter spot to watch the ducks, try the Mezzanine. You’ll still get a great view without the crowds.
- The Rooftop: For a unique perspective, head up to the Peabody Rooftop. You’ll get a bird’s-eye view of the ducks as they make their way across the red carpet. Keep in mind that the Rooftop is only open during certain times of year, and may be closed during inclement weather.
It’s worth mentioning that the Peabody Ducks have been a tradition at the hotel for over 90 years. They march through the lobby twice a day, every day, and are led by a “Duckmaster” who gives a brief history of the tradition. Unfortunately, due to COVID-19, the duck marches have been temporarily suspended. Be sure to check the Peabody Hotel’s website for updates on when the ducks will return.
If you’re interested in learning more about the history of the Peabody Ducks, be sure to visit the hotel’s Duck Palace on the roof. Here, you’ll find displays and interactive exhibits about the ducks and their legacy at the Peabody.
Tips for Enjoying the Peabody Duck March
The Peabody Hotel in Memphis, Tennessee, is famous for its daily “Duck March,” where five North American mallard ducks waddle down a red carpet from their rooftop palace to the hotel’s fountain in the lobby. The tradition started in the 1930s, and it has become an iconic attraction for locals and tourists alike. If you want to witness the Peabody ducks’ charming spectacle, here are some tips to make the most of your experience:
- Arrive Early: The Peabody Duck March is a popular event, so it’s best to arrive at the hotel at least 30 minutes before the ducks’ scheduled march time. If you’re driving, keep in mind that parking can be challenging, so plan accordingly.
- Get a Good Spot: The best place to watch the duck march is near the hotel’s fountain, where you can see the ducks up close. However, this area can get crowded quickly, so arrive early to secure a good spot. If you can’t get close to the fountain, don’t worry; you can still see the ducks from the upper floors of the hotel.
- Don’t Touch the Ducks: As cute as they are, the Peabody ducks are still wild animals, and it’s essential to respect their space. Don’t try to pet or hold them, and keep a safe distance from them during the march.
- Stay for the Peabody Duckmaster’s Talk: After the duck march, the hotel’s official Duckmaster gives a short talk about the ducks’ history and habits. It’s an informative and entertaining presentation that adds to the overall experience. Make sure to stay for it!
Remember that the Peabody Duck March is a free event that happens twice a day, at 11:00 am and 5:00 pm, so you have plenty of opportunities to see it. Unfortunately, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Peabody Hotel temporarily suspended the duck march in 2020, but it’s expected to resume when it’s safe to do so. In the meantime, you can check the hotel’s official website https://www.peabodymemphis.com/duck-ceremony for updates and information about the ducks and the hotel’s amenities.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Peabody Hotel’s duck march is a unique and entertaining experience that you don’t want to miss.
Whether you are a first-time visitor or a repeat guest, watching the ducks march is a must-see event.
We hope this article has provided you with all the information you need to plan your visit and enjoy the Peabody Hotel’s famous tradition.
