A guide to Kansas City’s hundreds of fountains, from the famous to the obscure

Fountains are a key part of Kansas City’s culture: as landmarks, resting places, backdrops for special memories, and links to the Kansas City of the past.

Kansas City has been known as the City of Fountains since around the 1950s, but it became an official part of the city seal in 1992.

Patrice Eilts-Jobe designed that seal, combining the heart icon and fountain image, and it’s been flying on our flag since 2008. You can also find the seal on manhole covers and even some city-owned vehicles.

There are over 200 fountains in the greater Kansas City area, spanning classical to modern, realistic to whimsical. Whether centerpieces for public squares, tucked into nooks, or installed along main thoroughfares, these fountains beautify the area and honor many of the makers of yesteryear, like philanthropist William Volker and activist Bernard Powell.