FORT WORTH, Texas — The DFW Car & Toy Museum has been named a Best of Texas winner in the Museum category by Guide to Texas, the museum announced. The annual Best of Texas awards recognize businesses and organizations across the state based on reader nominations and votes, with winners selected primarily through voting results that are reviewed for validity and verified by the program.
For the museum, the honor carries particular weight because it came directly from the public. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for us," said Ron Sturgeon, founder of the DFW Car & Toy Museum. "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 recognition matters beyond a trophy. It signals that a free, accessible attraction can thrive in a competitive tourism and entertainment market. The museum, located at 2550 McMillan Parkway in Fort Worth, opened in March 2025 after outgrowing its previous home in Haltom City. It houses more than 200 cars and over 3,000 toys and collectibles, a collection that began as Sturgeon's personal passion in the 1980s.
Admission is free, a rarity among museums of its size. The approximately 150,000-square-foot facility features European classics, American automobiles, Japanese cars, race cars, celebrity vehicles, unusual and quirky automobiles, vintage toys, model cars, robots and antique German toys. The collection is ever-changing, giving repeat visitors new reasons to return.
The Best of Texas designation, described by Guide to Texas as its highest statewide winner designation, could boost visibility for the museum among travelers and locals alike. In a region crowded with entertainment options, an award based on public voting can influence where families, car enthusiasts and collectors choose to spend their time. The museum also hosts events every weekend, from car shows to toy events, and offers flexible event spaces for private parties, corporate gatherings and club meetings.
Sturgeon emphasized that the award reflects ongoing community support. "We don't take this for granted," he 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 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. It welcomes families, car enthusiasts, toy collectors and well-behaved dogs. With free admission and free parking, it aims to be accessible to everyone, whether a lifelong enthusiast or a curious first-time visitor.
For North Texas, the award highlights a homegrown attraction that turned a private collection into a public destination. For the museum, it reinforces a simple message: thank you, Texas.
