The KC Streetcar Main Street Extension is inching toward completion, but we're already exploring the new stops. Next up: Art Museums, located on 45th + Main streets. Check out some history and what you can see, do, and taste within ~15 minutes of this stop.

History

If you ride back in history, this section of Kansas City was serviced by its initial trolley + streetcar system that operated from 1870 to 1957. It was located on Route 56, aka Country Club Line, which was developed and made electric in the early 20th century.

As automobiles gained popularity, streetcar ridership declined, but the Country Club Line was one of the last three streetcar routes to remain operational. It had its final run on June 23, 1957. That same year, the restaurant that sat at 45th + Main streets — hometown icon the Wish-Bone — was sold to the Lipton Company, along with its famous salad dressing.

Imagine hopping off a street car and heading to an art museum. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Main attractions

It's no surprise — this stop will give you access to some of the city's best art museums, and you'll be able to get out and get some shopping done.

Kemper Museum of Contemporary Art
The Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art
The Artspace at the Kansas City Art Institute
Country Club Plaza
Southmoreland Park
Mill Creek Park

Grab a bite

If your trip makes you hungry, find your flavor at one of these local spots.

Ragazza Food + Wine
Winstead's Steakburgers
Grand Street Cafe
Eddie V's Prime Seafood
Jack Stack Barbecue (at Country Club Plaza)
The Cheesecake Factory (at Country Club Plaza)
Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant (at Country Club Plaza)
Fogo de Chão (at Country Club Plaza)
Gram + Dun (at Country Club Plaza)
Shake Shack (at Country Club Plaza)

Fogo de Chão + Country Club Plaza are a ~10 minute walk from the Art Museums stop. | Photo via Wikimedia Commons

Grab a drink (or two)

Whether you're in the cocktail spirit or looking for a jolt of caffeine, get your cup filled at a cafe or bar.

Cafe Trio
Cafe Nerman
Thou Mayest at Nelson-Atkins
Prime Social
Levee Bar + Grill
Crown Town Bar

Other offerings

Here are some of the other destinations that might have you exiting at the Art Museums stop.

Saint Luke's Hospital
Kansas City Art Institute
Many hotels, like Kansas City Marriott Country Club Plaza, Residence Inn Kansas City Country Club Plaza, and Extended Stay America - Country Club Plaza

Keep exploring Streetcar stops and check out our guides to the Plaza + Brookside stops.