The DFW Car & Toy Museum has been named a Best of Texas winner in the Museum category by Guide to Texas, an annual statewide program that lets readers nominate and vote for their favorite Texas businesses and organizations. The recognition matters because it comes directly from the public rather than from an industry panel, signaling strong local support for a museum that has quickly become a North Texas destination since opening in Fort Worth in March 2025.
For founder Ron Sturgeon, the award validates a decades-long project that began as a personal collection in the 1980s. What started with toys eventually grew to include full-size automobiles, expanding into a collection of more than 200 cars and more than 3,000 toys and collectibles. The collection was originally housed in Haltom City, where Sturgeon built his automotive business, but its growth required a larger home. That led to the move to 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, where the museum now operates in an approximately 150,000-square-foot facility near Meacham Airport and I-35W.
The Best of Texas designation is particularly significant because Guide to Texas selects winners primarily based on voting results, with votes reviewed for validity and winning businesses verified. The award represents the program's highest statewide winner designation. For the museum, being recognized in the Museum category reflects support from the visitors and broader Texas community it was built to serve. "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 museum's free admission is a central part of its appeal and its community mission. It was created to be accessible to everyone, whether a lifelong car enthusiast, a serious collector, a parent looking for something fun to do with the kids or simply someone curious about what is inside. Visitors can explore an ever-changing collection featuring European classics, American automobiles, Japanese cars, race cars, celebrity vehicles, unusual and quirky automobiles, vintage toys, model cars, robots and antique German toys. The museum also welcomes well-behaved dogs and offers free parking.
Beyond daily visits, the DFW Car & Toy Museum has become a gathering place for the North Texas community. It hosts events every weekend, bringing together car clubs, collectors, families and enthusiasts from throughout the Dallas Fort Worth area. The museum also offers flexible event spaces for private parties, corporate gatherings, club events, meetings and celebrations. With its unique collection, it provides a memorable setting that few other venues in the region can match.
The Best of Texas award could have broader implications for Fort Worth's cultural and tourism landscape. It highlights a homegrown attraction that draws visitors from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond, and it reinforces the museum's role as an accessible, family-friendly destination. The recognition may also encourage more first-time visitors to experience the collection, which includes secure climate-controlled car storage and facilities available for events. 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. After being named Best of Texas, the museum's message to supporters is simple: thank you, Texas. We couldn't have done it without you.
