The DFW Car & Toy Museum has been named a Best of Texas winner in the Museum category by Guide to Texas, an annual statewide awards program that lets readers nominate and vote for their favorite Texas businesses. For the Fort Worth attraction, which opened at 2550 McMillan Parkway in March 2025, the recognition is significant because it comes directly from visitors and the broader community, validating its mission to offer an accessible and engaging experience for everyone.
The museum's founder, Ron Sturgeon, began collecting toys in the 1980s and later expanded to full-size automobiles. What started as a 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 its current home in Fort Worth. Since opening, the museum has become a destination for car enthusiasts, toy collectors, families, and travelers seeking something unique in North Texas.
The Best of Texas award, presented by Guide to Texas, is based primarily on voting results, with votes reviewed for validity and winning businesses verified. The designation represents the program's highest statewide honor. For the DFW Car & Toy Museum, winning in the Museum category is especially meaningful because it reflects support from the people the museum was built for: its visitors. "We are incredibly grateful to everyone who voted for us," said Sturgeon. "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."
One of the museum's most surprising features is that admission is free. This decision was made to ensure the museum remains accessible to everyone, whether they are lifelong car enthusiasts, serious collectors, parents looking for family fun, or simply curious. The museum also hosts events every weekend, bringing together car clubs, collectors, families, and enthusiasts from across the Dallas-Fort Worth area. From car shows and specialty gatherings to toy events and community activities, there is always something happening. Additionally, the museum offers flexible event spaces for private parties, corporate gatherings, club events, meetings, and celebrations.
Beyond its collections, the museum has become a gathering place for the North Texas community. 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. The museum is dog friendly and welcomes visitors to capture and share their experiences. With more than 200 cars, thousands of toys, free admission, and year-round events, the DFW Car & Toy Museum offers plenty to discover. The Best of Texas award not only celebrates its past success but also highlights its ongoing role as a vital, free cultural attraction in Fort Worth. As Sturgeon noted, "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."
