FORT WORTH, Texas — 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 allows readers to nominate and vote for their favorite Texas businesses and organizations. The award, announced in October 2026, recognizes the Fort Worth attraction as a top destination in a category that includes museums across the state.
For the museum's founder, Ron Sturgeon, the recognition carries particular weight because it came directly from visitors. "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 Best of Texas awards are presented by Guide to Texas, which states that winners are selected primarily based on voting results, with votes reviewed for validity and winning businesses reviewed as part of a verification process. The program recognizes businesses across numerous categories throughout Texas, with the Best of Texas designation representing its highest statewide winner designation.
The museum's journey to this point began decades before it opened its doors in Fort Worth. Sturgeon began collecting toys in the 1980s and eventually expanded his collection to include full-size automobiles. What started as a personal passion grew into a collection of more than 200 cars and more than 3,000 toys and collectibles. Originally housed in Haltom City, where Sturgeon had built his automotive business, the collection eventually required a larger home. That led to the museum's move to 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, where it officially opened in March 2025.
Today, 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, antique German toys and much more. Perhaps one of the biggest surprises for newcomers is that admission is free. The museum was created to be accessible to everyone, whether someone is a lifelong car enthusiast, a serious collector, a parent looking for something fun to do with the kids or simply curious about what is inside.
The museum has also become a gathering place for the North Texas community. It hosts events every weekend, bringing together car clubs, collectors, families, enthusiasts and visitors from throughout the Dallas Fort Worth area. From car shows and specialty gatherings to toy events and community activities, there is always something different happening. The museum isn't just a place to attend an event; people can host their own events there. With flexible event spaces and a collection unlike almost any other venue in the area, the DFW Car & Toy Museum offers a memorable setting for private parties, corporate gatherings, club events, meetings, celebrations and other special occasions.
The Best of Texas award could have broader implications for Fort Worth's tourism and local business ecosystem. As a free attraction that draws visitors from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area and beyond, the museum supports nearby restaurants, hotels and other businesses. The recognition may also encourage more travelers to include the museum in their plans, particularly as it continues to host weekend events that appeal to diverse audiences.
For the museum, the award represents support from the people it was built for. "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."
Located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, Texas, the museum offers free admission and welcomes families, car enthusiasts, toy collectors and well-behaved dogs. It 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. With more than 200 cars, thousands of toys and collectibles, free admission and events happening throughout the year, there is plenty to discover. And after being named Best of Texas, the museum has one simple message for everyone who helped make it happen: Thank you, Texas. We couldn't have done it without you.
