With more fountains than any other city in the world (barring perhaps Rome), it is no surprise that Kansas City is called the City of Fountains. There are around 200 fountains registered across the city limits. And the variety is stunning - some are ornate, some simple, some playful, some elegant and stately. These fountains have become an integral feature of the city and they offer a wonderful view of the city’s heritage and culture. Apart from the landmark ones that cannot be missed, you’ll find a few easily accessible in major areas, while others tucked away within building exteriors or street corners. These unique water features add a wonderful charm to their immediate vicinity, and they are a celebration of human creativity. Keen to see them in person and experience their wonder? Then read on to find out about 10 of the coolest fountains in Kansas City, that showcase the unique appeal of these sculptural beauties.
Why Trust Trip101?
✅ Over 50,000 articles reviewed and published by our experienced team
✅ Over 50 years of combined experience researching, writing and reviewing travel articles
✅ Over 40,000 hours spent on research and fact-checking from credible sources (last year’s data)
✅ Optimizing content from data-driven insights collected directly from users on our platform
✅ Focus on authentic and up-to-date information by collaborating with local guides, global travelers and other industry experts
✅ Long-standing partnerships with credible brands like Airbnb, Booking.com, Agoda, Expedia, GetYourGuide, Viator, RVShare and more
✅ Full disclosure on any partnerships or sponsored content
Trip101’s team of writers, editors, and content managers oversees the publication of all travel content, including destination guides, accommodation recommendations, and travel tips. They have extensive experience in the travel industry and no content, written or visual, gets published without a review. Many of our team’s work has also been featured in Travel+Leisure, National Today, The Indian Express, The Telegraph (India), Robb Report, The Adventure Handbook, Tripoto, Korea Tourism Organization, and Korean Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Some of them are also members of professional organizations like the Society of American Travel Writers and the International Travel Writers and Photographers Alliance.
Each member of the team follows Trip101's methodology and strict editorial guidelines to ensure accuracy, authenticity, and relevance.
1. J C Nichols Memorial Fountain
You are sure to recognize this iconic fountain! The most popular and the most photographed fountain of Kansas City, the J C Nichols Memorial Fountain is located near the Country Club Plaza at the southern end of Mill Creek Park. This remarkable fountain features four horsemen, which reportedly represent four of the world’s mightiest rivers: the Mississippi River (the figure fighting off an alligator), the Volga River (the horseman with the bear), the Rhine and the Seine. There are several other small sculptures scattered through the fountain. Join the throngs here for the quintessential Kansas photo op!
J C Nichols Memorial Fountain
Address: Mill Creek Park, W 47th Street and J.C. Nichols Parkway, Kansas City
Website: J C Nichols Memorial Fountain
2. Armour Center Fountain
Found in the Armour Hills area, this is a simple fountain that features a sculpture of a small boy holding a bird over his shoulder. There’s a goose at his feet with head outstretch and the water flows out of its bill.
Armour Center Fountain
Address: W 69th Street, Brookside Road and Edgevale Road, Kansas City
Website: Armour Center Fountain
3. Boy and Frog Fountain
The Boy and Frog Fountain is sure to put a smile on your face. Located outside a Starbucks within the Country Club Plaza, the fountain features the sculpture of a small boy with a delighted expression looking down at a frog that’s spitting water up at him (not the other way around!). The marble basin at the base is held up by a grumpy faun riding a dolphin. Considered one of the most whimsical fountains of Kansas City, don’t miss out on this one!
Boy and Frog Fountain
Address: Country Club Plaza, 302 Nichols Road, Kansas City
Website: Boy and Frog Fountain
4. Children's Fountain
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Spread over a large area, Children’s Fountain is an adorable fountain that features six sculptures of children in different playing poses. Created as a celebration of children, the artist of these sculptures used local children as models. The sculptures each measure approx. 8 to 9 feet (2.4 to 2.7 meters), and vividly communicate the liveliness and innocence of children.
Children's Fountain
Address: Children’s Fountain Park, North Oak Trafficway and NE 32nd Street, Kansas City,
Website: Children’s Fountain
5. Fountain of Bacchus
You can spot this large fountain in Chandler Court outside a Cheesecake Factory outlet. Comprising a statue of the Roman god Bacchus surrounded by numerous nymphs and satyrs in different poses, the fountain is a sculptural delight. The fountain base is shaped as a quatrefoil and there are fountain rings on both sides of the sculpture. Two fountains featuring four bubblers are placed in the front as well as behind the sculpture.
Fountain of Bacchus
Address: Country Club Plaza, 4701 Wyandotte Street, Kansas City
Website: Fountain of Bacchus
6. Mermaid Fountain
This cloverleaf-shaped fountain has two marble mermaids seated at the edges, each blowing into conch shells out of which water flows down. In the middle is a sculpture of a small child in a praying pose around which is a fountain ring. The white marble mermaids were acquired from Italy and are said to be over 300 years old.
Mermaid Fountain
Address: Country Club Plaza, 4747 Broadway Boulevard, Kansas City
Website: Mermaid Fountain
7. Pomona Fountain
The Roman goddess of vineyards and orchards, Pomona, presides over this fountain located in Ward Parkway. Made of bronze, the life-size statue of Pomona was imported from Italy. The statue is placed within a polished marble pedestal, which in turn sits inside a reflecting basin. Water cascades from the marble pedestal onto the reflecting basin. There are additional water spouts on the edge of the basin which are lit up at night.
Pomona Fountain
Address: Country Club Plaza, 320 Ward Parkway, Kansas City
Website: Pomona Fountain
8. Eagle Scout Memorial Fountain
This fountain is dedicated to those who win the highest honor in Scouting the Eagle Scout award. It consists of a 22-foot (6.7-meter) sculpture that features a wreath having on both sides, a figurine of a woman and an eagle. An enlarged version of the Boy Scout Eagle Badge is shown within the wreath. At the base of the sculpture, a two-layered fountain pool flows.
Eagle Scout Memorial Fountain
Address: : E 39th Street, Gillham Road and Harrison Parkway , Kansas City
Website: Eagle Scout Memorial Fountain
9. Muse of The Missouri Fountain
Editor's Note: There's no photo available at the time of writing
Check out this arresting fountain in downtown Kansas City which is based on classical mythology and features a goddess granting her interest and guidance on the state’s Missouri River. The sculpture includes a unique metal fish net which was created using a special machine. Spot the nine fishes in the net which however aren’t based on real fishes and were, in fact, invented by the artist using the body of a carp and the head of a bluefish! Water in the fountain cascades through three levels via 200 water spouts.
Muse of The Missouri Fountain
Address: 8th & Main Streets, Kansas City
Website: Muse of The Missouri Fountain
10. City Hall Seahorse Fountain
Outside the City Hall, you’ll see this elaborate two-level fountain with pool basins. On the first level on each side, a mythological sea horse sits, within a basin surrounded by dolphins, out of whose mouth water starts flowing. The water then flows down to the remaining basins which have seashells with dolphin heads that shoot out the water. This fountain is not always operational so you’ll need to keep that in mind!
City Hall Seahorse Fountain
Address: Kansas City, MO City Hall, 414 E 12th Street, Kansas City, MO
Website: City Hall Seahorse Fountain
Explore Kansas City's fountains
These are just a few of the many fountains that dot Kansas City. While most people seek out the major ones, the smaller ones too have a charming story to tell. Go exploring for a unique experience - you’ll find resources online that provide all the information you need. Most fountains are turned on from the second Tuesday in April up until October. Some fountains, however, run through the year.
History
Get Trip101 in your inbox
Unsubscribe in one click. See our Privacy Policy for more information on how we use your data