The DFW Car & Toy Museum has been named a Best of Texas winner in the Museum category, an honor bestowed by the annual Best of Texas awards from Guide to Texas. The recognition is significant not only because it places the Fort Worth attraction among the state's top museums but also because it was determined by public voting, reflecting direct support from visitors and the broader Texas community.
For founder Ron Sturgeon, the award carries particular weight. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for us," Sturgeon said. "We built this museum because we wanted people to have a place where they could see incredible cars and toys, learn something, have fun and simply enjoy themselves. To have Texans recognize us with this award means a tremendous amount to us." The win signals that the museum's mission—to be accessible, engaging, and community-oriented—resonates with those who have walked through its doors.
The museum's journey began decades before it opened in Fort Worth. Sturgeon started collecting toys in the 1980s and eventually expanded to full-size automobiles. His personal passion grew into a collection of more than 200 cars and over 3,000 toys and collectibles. Originally housed in Haltom City, the collection eventually required a larger space, leading to a move to 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, where the museum officially opened in March 2025. The 150,000-square-foot facility quickly became a destination for car enthusiasts, toy collectors, families, and travelers seeking something unique in North Texas.
What sets the museum apart is not only its diverse collection—featuring European classics, American automobiles, Japanese cars, race cars, celebrity vehicles, vintage toys, model cars, robots, and antique German toys—but also its commitment to accessibility. Admission is free, a deliberate choice to ensure that everyone, from lifelong enthusiasts to curious families, can enjoy the experience. This free-admission model has helped the museum become a gathering place for the community, hosting events every weekend that bring together car clubs, collectors, and visitors from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area.
The Best of Texas award, presented by Guide to Texas, is an annual statewide program that allows readers to nominate and vote for their favorite Texas businesses and organizations. Winners are selected primarily based on voting results, with votes reviewed for validity and businesses verified before receiving the designation. For the DFW Car & Toy Museum, being recognized in the Museum category is especially meaningful because it represents support from the people the museum was built for: its visitors and the broader Texas community.
"We don't take this for granted," Sturgeon said. "Every person who visits, tells a friend, posts a photo, leaves a review or votes for us helps us continue building something special here in Fort Worth. We are very thankful." The award not only acknowledges the museum's appeal but also highlights its economic and cultural impact on Fort Worth, drawing visitors who contribute to the local economy and enrich the community fabric.
Beyond its collection, the museum offers flexible event spaces for private parties, corporate gatherings, club events, and meetings. It is also dog friendly and provides secure climate-controlled car storage. Located near Meacham Airport and I-35W, the museum is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with final entry at 5 p.m. As the museum celebrates this honor, it invites both longtime supporters and first-time visitors to experience what Texas voted for.
