This Midwest City Boasts Over 200 Fountains, Aptly Earning it the Nickname: The City of Fountains.
Kansas City Missouri is known for many things, including a Super Bowl-winning football franchise, mouthwatering BBQ, and world-renowned museums. But the town, dubbed by some as K.C. and as the BBQ Capital of the World, by others, is also home to dozens of beautiful fountains, appropriately giving it another nickname: The City of Fountains.
The city boasts over 200 fountains, making it the city with the second most fountains in the world, only behind Rome in Italy. These magnificent pieces vary in size and intricacy, but they are popular attractions that are a source of local pride.
As you explore famous museums like the American Jazz Museum and the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum, cheer on the Kansas City Chiefs, and sink your teeth into delectable ‘que, keep your eyes peeled for Kansas City’s fountains — charming works full of true beauty.
Learning About Kansas City’s Fountains
The tradition of fountains in Kansas City dates back to the early 20th century when wealthy philanthropists and civic leaders sought to beautify the city with public art and green spaces.
Many of the fountains were donated by prominent individuals or organizations and served as gifts to the community. Of the more than 200 registered fountains in Kansas City, 48 are publicly owned and grace courtyards, tree-lined boulevards, parkland, and many other spots.
A Kansas City non-profit, The City of Fountains Foundation, works closely with local government and private donors to maintain and enhance the fountain collection. Each year, the city celebrates Fountain Day in April to mark the start of fountain season and the festivities include music, fountain gatherings, and more.
Exploring Kansas City’s Majestic Fountains
Their diversity in style and design, paired with colorful lighting and beautiful landscaping creates stunning displays that can be enjoyed at any time. Residents and visitors in Kansas City can enjoy an eclectic mix of fountains including…
- Classical Fountains: These fountains often feature elegant sculptures, ornate basins, and traditional motifs such as cherubs, nymphs, and mythological figures.
- Modern and Abstract Fountains: These fountains may feature geometric shapes, innovative materials, and unconventional water patterns.
- Interactive Fountains: These fountains often incorporate programmable water jets, misting nozzles, and LED lighting effects that respond to movement or touch.
- Memorial Fountains: These fountains may include plaques or inscriptions honoring their respective subjects.
- Neighborhood Fountains: These fountains may be smaller in scale but are no less cherished by residents.
- Seasonal Fountains: These operate during certain times of the year.
Where to See Kansas City Fountains
With 200+ fountains in the Kansas City area, residents and visitors of all ages don’t have to go far to find them. Here are a few of Kansas City’s notable fountains worth checking out…
Mill Creek Park Fountain
One of K.C.’s most recognizable landmarks is a Paris-built fountain at the center of Mill Creek Park which was brought to the city in 1951. Located at the east entrance to Country Club Plaza, it’s one of the most recognizable fountains in town, featuring four heroic horsemen and a team of horses.
The horsemen are said to represent four of the world’s mighty rivers: The Mississippi River (fending off an alligator), the Volga River (with the bear), the Seine, and the Rhine.
Kauffman Stadium Water Spectacular
The home of Major League Baseball’s Kansas City Royals is home to one of the city’s recognizable fountains. The fountain has been a mainstay at the stadium, viewed by millions of people in person and on TV. The fountains, which are privately founded, are 322 feet wide and feature numerous waterfalls and cascades.
They’re a popular sight for fans and operate before, during, and after games. They’re lit up in different colors when night falls and the stadium also offers an “Outfield Experience,” allowing fans to get close to the famous fountains.
Children’s Fountain
Located in North Kansas City at N. Oak and E. 32nd Ave, this fountain is a favorite among families, with its playful water features and whimsical sculptures of children including a boy playing soccer and a girl wading into the fountain.
Kansas City kids were used as models for the fountain and the fountain features six sculptures of each, each standing at least 8 feet tall. The figures are said to represent activities that make childhood joyful.
Crown Center Square Fountain
This fountain is a favorite among youngsters who come to see choreographed jets work their magic to records of the Kansas City Symphony. The show comes together with 49 water jets and 48 water shooters that shoot as high as 60 feet up in the air.
Meyer Circle Sea Horse Fountain
Featuring elegant sea horse sculptures, this is a popular spot for weddings and special events. The fountain is named for the three sea horses perched atop a stone pyramid and support a saucer with lion heads that spout water.
The fountain’s middle tier features cherubs holding an identical smaller saucer and the top tier is a sculpture of a child and a fish. Altogether it makes for a magnificent sight at Meyer Boulevard and Ward Parkway.
Henry Wollman Bloch Fountain
Situated right in front of Union Station, this is one of the city’s most towering fountains that features choreographed shows each hour and each half hour. The fountains were designed by the same company that designed the Bellagio Fountains and feature 232 jets arranged in three rings within an ellipse of black granite.
Firefighters Fountain and Memorial
Located at Pennsylvania Ave and W. 31st St. at the south end of Penn Valley Park, the fountain was installed in 1991 and honors 6 firefighters who lost their lives in 1988. Today, it serves as a tribute to all firefighters. The fountain features two bronze figures surrounded by four dozen streams of water falling into a basin.
A large-than-life sculpture of a firefighter with his head bowed is directly to the north of the fountain and a curved stone wall with bronze plaques listing the names of the fallen firefighters sits behind the fountain.
Fountain Basin at Rozelle Court
One of the city’s oldest fountains is at the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art with a single-piece Cipollini marble bowl that dates back to 220 A.D. Medallions of each zodiac sign circle the fountain, creating a dazzling display.
The basin creates a dramatic centerpiece for Rozzelle Court, offering a soothing backdrop for museum visitors. In addition to a fountain in the middle of the bowl, multiple nozzles arch water upwards into the bowl. As the bowl fills, the overflow falls into the pool.
Seville Light Fountain
Nestled at a triangular traffic island, JC Nicholas Parkway, and 47th Street, this ornate fountain is a replica of the Plaza de Los Reyes fountain in Seville, Spain. Visitors can enjoy watching the water flow from four masked faces and admire the fountain’s craftsmanship. The faces (some call them grotesque) make for great selfie opportunities too.
Thomas H. Swope Memorial Fountain
Within Kansas City, Swope Park is home to the Kansas City Zoo, the Swope Memorial Golf Course, and the Starlight Theatre. It’s also home to the Swope Memorial Fountain, which overlooks the park.
It is one of two solar-powered fountains within Kansas City’s park system. Framed by a 4-foot-wide balustrade of white stone, the six-foot-tall pedestal fountain is the heart of one of the city’s most beloved parks.
Loose Park Fountains
Situated within Loose Park, a pair of kneeling statues, known locally as “Lady and Gent” or “Adam and Eve” were unveiled in 1942 and updated in 1946. Both figures hold bowls from which water trickles into basins.
Visit Kansas City to See Unique Fountains
Whether you visit one, two, or maybe all 200+, any trip to a Kansas City fountain is a fun one. From simple neighborhood fountains to intricately designed works in popular areas, the fountains ooze charm and offer something that appeals to visitors of all ages.
So whether you’re looking for a place to sit for a few moments of reflection, enjoy the cooling mist of a spout, or take photos of these iconic spots, make your way to a Kansas City fountain and discover all the City of Fountains can offer.