Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
Overview
Available languages
2 hours
Mobile ticket
Travel on a piece of history, learning Chicago fire history as well as Architecture! We travel on Lake Michigan and through the Chicago River seeing the sights. Perfect for Fire enthusiasts, families and everyone in between! Our flagship vessel is a retired Chicago fire boat, the Fred A Busse, Engine 41, which served Chicago from 1937 to 1981. Firefighter patches from around the world and memorabilia from Engine 41's time in service, adorn the walls inside the cabin.
Additional Info
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Public transportation options are available nearby
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Important Note: We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 21 years old and above. Minor travelers below 21 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.
Harbor Parking at 111 N. Lakeshore Drive. Access to parking in same intersection as harbor.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Chicago River
Learn about the Chicago river and the history surrounding it.
What‘s Included
Bathrooms available onboard
Cruise on a piece of Chicago history
Expert narration of Chicago's history & architecture
Light snacks available for purchase onboard
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase onboard
Options
Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
Reviews
249 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
You have to take THIS boat tour!!!
Freedom606157,Apr 21, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Thank you to all the crew of the Fred A Busse! Cliff was our tour guide and he sure knows his Chicago history! He is the perfect guy for the job -he is so engaging and well spoken! We thoroughly enjoyed our time with him and our bartender Manny was excellent as well. I would recommend this crew to EVERYONE looking to take an architectural boat tour.
Fantastic Experience! Must do tour when in Chicago!
O7585DJpatrickm,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Absolutely awesome experience! As a life long Chicago city resident I was skeptical on how entertained I would be on this tour. But in reality I learned so much from our guide Cliff. He explained everything you would want to know about Chicago history and architecture. Cliff was extremely knowledgeable and funny! The rest of the crew was great as well. Manny (Bartender) took good care of my friends. The boat we were on was really nostalgic and full of history as well. I enjoyed the tour so much that I plan to go again this summer when some family comes into town to visit!
Fun Fireboat Cruise
dufferf2026,Apr 20, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Fun way to learn about the city! We really enjoyed our experience!
Would do it again
Rebecca T,Jan 18, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00Such a nice staff on the boat, and the tour was super insightful and entertaining, if you love to learn about fun facts and appreciate a nice sense of humor, this is for you! Also a nice way to get to see the city and plan the rest of your stay.
Fantastic. Friendly crew....
Carlo C,Nov 15, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Fantastic. Friendly crew. Worh the price. Great experience and would definetely recommend to others.❤️
Great experience
F4220VXdavidd,Nov 7, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Great experience. Friendly and informative staff. Small bar onboard and was surprised at how many things we learned and how relaxing it is.
A ride on the Fred A. Busse Fireboat is a MUST for anyone who lives in or visits Chicago!
Dream27872234658,Nov 5, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The Boat: A ride on a decommissioned fireboat is a super cool experience. It's spacious, there is a bar with drinks and snacks, and it's basically a museum on the water. The Tour: Holy History Bat Man! My father has lived in Chicago for most of his life and was amazed at how much he didn't know. The tour guide was flawless. He explained everything in detail and truly made it fun. The Staff: Friendly, professional, considerate (my father is older and blind in one eye so they told us we could get on first to make sure he got situated comfortably), and just a pleasure to be around. We can't say enough good things about this tour! Thank you for a fantastic experience!
The best option
Alejandro F,Nov 3, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The extra tour on the lake adds the plus of wonderful skylines. The guide is very good and tells interesting and valuable anecdotes. Highly recommended.
Definitely “ a must do “
MichaelF442,Oct 30, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There were 3 of us. This was a great experience. It is a smaller boat. Very well operated, maintained and had a great narrator on board. We sat in the front area for most of the tour, beautiful day though chilly. This is for anyone wanting to feel the drop in Lochs and hear current & historical information on the buildings along the Lake. Fun excursion
Great tour. The view from...
Michelle B,Oct 26, 2025
- Review from Viator
5.00Great tour. The view from the lake is amazing. River architecture tours are good but this is a bit extra plus fireboat!
From US$47.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Chicago Fireboat Tours