KANSAS CITY, MO (October 7, 2026) – The Garmin Kansas City Marathon is a great way to experience Kansas City, taking runners past some of the city’s most recognizable landmarks, historic buildings, neighborhoods, and, of course, its famous fountains. With fountains scattered throughout the city, runners will have plenty of opportunities to see why Kansas City proudly carries the nickname “The City of Fountains.” From iconic landmarks to hidden gems along the course, here are some of the fountains you can spot along the way.
Henry Wollman Bloch Fountain
Located at Pershing and Main Streets between Union Station and the Liberty Memorial, this iconic fountain was gifted to the city in honor of H&R Block co-founder Henry W. Bloch. The fountain features 232 water jets. A shallow layer of water flows across the granite surface, creating a reflective mirror that captures the surrounding landmark architecture.
Parterre Garden Fountain
Nestled within the Kauffman Memorial Gardens, this fountain serves as a graceful centerpiece surrounded by vibrant blooms. Three bronze sculptures rise from the water: two figures at either end balance delicately on tiptoe with extended limbs, while the central figure appears to leap. Bubblers and water jets positioned at each figure’s feet create the illusion that the dancers are gliding across the water.
Eagle Scout Memorial Fountain
This water feature is a marble monument framing a wreath with the Boy Scout Eagle badge, flanked by two female figures and eagles, with a fountain pool and spiral stairways of this 22-foot-tall sculpture. The female icons symbolizes Day and Night. It was relocated Kansas City and additions were designed the surrounding memorial and fountain, creating the tribute seen today.
Ewing & Muriel Kauffman Memorial Fountain
The Ewing and Muriel Kauffman Memorial Garden & Fountain draws inspiration from the couple’s journey through life and their commitment to share with others. The Memorial Garden opened Memorial Day weekend in 2000. It is an enduring gift for Kansas City that extends the legacy of a gracious couple and welcomes visitors to a vibrant landscape throughout the year.
Fountain at Mill Creek Park
Kansas City’s most iconic and frequently photographed fountain, located at the east entrance to the Country Club Plaza and the south end of Mill Creek Park. The fountain features four heroic horsemen representing the Mississippi, Volga, Seine, and Rhine rivers, along with four smaller figures of children playing on dolphins. Its grand scale and prominent location have made it one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks.
Firefighters Fountain and Memorial
Located at the south end of Penn Valley Park, this memorial fountain honors Kansas City’s firefighters and those who lost their lives in the line of duty. The fountain features two bronz figures surrounded by 48 streams of water cascading into an 80-foot-wide basin, while a larger than-life bronze firefighter stands nearby with his head bowed in remembrance. A curved stone wall behind the sculpture displays bronze plaques bearing the names of the fallen.
Vietnam Veterans’ Memorial Fountain
The memorial fountain features five interconnected pools that symbolize America's increasing involvement in the Vietnam War. The flowing water represents time's ability to heal the divisions caused by the conflict. A semicircular wall honors the 451 service members from the Kansas City area who lost their lives during the war.
The Garmin Kansas City Marathon will take place on October 17th and offers a variety of race distances, including the full marathon, half marathon, 10K, and 5K. For registration and race day information, click here.
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