Picture This! Our Top 5 Best Places to Take Pictures in Kansas City

Kansas City has many great photo opportunities. Take a quick look at our Instagram and it’s easy to see why. For us, the best places to take pictures in Kansas City have character, history, and instant familiarity. Here’s where and how to get the best photos in Kansas City.

#1 Union Station

We admit it, we have no bad side. Union Station is one of the best places to take pictures in Kansas City for a reason. The sights and sounds of Union Station have become ubiquitous with Kansas City which makes our location instantly recognizable. Our exterior is synonymous with championship parades, and the grand halls and beautiful outdoor space have even landed us in two treasured Hollywood films!

Places for Great Photos.

While Union station has no bad side, the best place to get an iconic photo is from the hill of the World War 1 Memorial. The hill looks deceptively small from the front lot of Union Station, so get those walking shoes on! Roam around the hill and you’ll quickly find out why this is one of the best places to take pictures in Kansas City. With the right angle, you can get Union Station, the Kauffman Center, and the Western Auto sign in the same shot!

#2 Western Auto building

Next on our list is just down the street from Union Station. Take a quick hike from Crown Center and you’ll see the Western Auto building. It landed on our list of the top things to see in Kansas City for a reason. The neon and LED-lit sign has become one of the best places to take pictures in Kansas City because of its warm glow and amazing history.

Getting the best shot.

Take a short walk down Grand Boulevard from Crown Center and you’ll instantly see the best view of the Western Auto Building. In the Summer, Boulevardia offers one of the best KC music experiences and an Iconic KC landmark in the same photo. For one of the best places to take pictures in Kansas City, head to the main stage. There you’ll hear the best bands while you capture the western auto sign shining like a stage light in the background.  

#3 The Nelson Atkins Museum of Art

The Nelson has famous works from legendary artists from around the world. But do you know what piece is the most famous of all? Shuttlecocks by Oldenburg & van Bruggen, has become one of the most photographed works at the Nelson Atkins Museum of Art. Shuttlecocks is part of the Donald J. Hall Sculpture Park. This park is one of the best places to take pictures in Kansas City because of the many Icons of the world of sculpture you can capture on a short stroll.

Where to Get the Best Photos

There are no bad angles of Shuttlecocks. For artsy interesting photos, the sun plays amazing tricks with the shadows of the fletchings. For the iconic vacation photo, head all the way down the lawn where you can get the best angle of Shuttlecocks and one of America’s great art museums. The rest of the sculpture park is one of the best places to take pictures in Kansas City. So stretch your legs, get outside and maybe even plan a picnic!

#4 Jacob Loose Park

Another great place for outdoor photos in Kansas City is Jacob Loose Park. This park is as beautiful as it is historic. The battle of Westport took place on the grounds leading this place to become a protected space in Kansas City. The entire 70 acres are full of opportunities to make great memories while taking amazing photos. From the rose garden to the rolling hills and greenery, you’re sure to see why this is one of the best places to take pictures in Kansas City!

The Best Outdoor Photos

On a typical summer day, photographers will be at the park from sunrise to sunset. The 70-acre grounds create a beautiful backdrop for iconic photos. The unique and relaxing atmosphere of the traditional Japanese tea garden is one of the best places to take pictures in Kansas City. As it is a true Japanese tea garden and a symbol of the Sister Cities of Kurashaki, Japan, and Kansas City, Missouri. The rose garden is a popular wedding photo setting with over 4,000 roses that you can smell throughout the park. 

#5 Powell Gardens

Finally, one of the best places to take pictures in Kansas City blooms with opportunity. Powell Gardens boasts one of the most diverse and critically acclaimed horticulture collections in the midwest. You’ll have to drive a little farther than most of our picks, but when you get there, you’ll see why this is one of our favorite photo-op destinations.

Where to Get the Best Pictures

What makes this one of the best places to take pictures in Kansas City is the endless opportunity for photos and learning. As you make your way to the visitors’ parking lot, you’ll want to start snapping pictures the second you get out of the car. But venture into the sunroom in the main building for a great start. After that, make your way over the bridges and past the water features to find one of Kansas City’s most beautiful wedding venues. Walk into the chapel and you’ll instantly see why this is one of the best places to take pictures in Kansas City. You’ll be roaming around the gardens for hours so pack extra water and extra batteries for your camera!

A Great City with the Greatest Photo Opportunities

The best places to take pictures in Kansas City not only offer great views. They also offer a rich history and memorable experiences you’ll remember when you talk about your trip. So check out these amazing landmarks, and plan your visit to Union Station.