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
267 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Recommend Fireboat for Chicago River Tour
D6805HNjonathanp,May 9, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00There are many architectural boat tours offered in Chicago, but we are so glad we went with the Fred A Busse Fireboat tour. The staff/crew was exceptional, especially our tour guide, Cliff. One thing that made this preferable was the size of the boat. The smaller boat prevented us from having to share the experience with 100 other people that you would get from some of the other companies - making it more intimate and allowing for more interaction with the crew/guide. We also preferred was that the Fireboat ports at the lake front as opposed to the river walk. This way, you start and end with a panoramic view of the Chicago skyline. The tour was right around 2 hours, which was the perfect duration for our group of 4 adults and 2 young kids.
Awesome!
aliciadb5,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an amazing time! Cliff and the rest of the crew were very kind, engaging & gave us a wonderful experience. I highly recommend THIS unique cruise on the Fred A. Busse!!!
Fantastic lake/river tour in Chicago
ngoilan,May 4, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00I am so happy that my out of town visitor suggested a river boat tour and that we chose Chicago Fireboat Tours. It was the highlight of our time together. Our cruise lasted almost two hours (great value for money!) and took us along the magnificent Chicago lakefront and past some amazing riverfront architecture. Cliff, our guide, was full of facts and fun and could not have been more engaging. He and Manny made our day. Whether you're a native or a visitor, don't miss this tour!
Amazing tour!
TFVMEX,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The best trip in boat! Full of interesting data and friendly crew! The guide was super kind. It’s a must of Chicago!
A must do!
Y2271DAshawnw,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We did this tour and had such a great time! Cliff, our guide, was funny and friendly and make the experience so great. It was so fun to learn all about the buildings in Chicago as well as other cool facts and the boat was awesome. Highly recommend!
Awesome
jasontA5409OQ,May 3, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00It was absolutely amazing will be doing it again next time we visit
A great tour on a piece of Chicago history
Richard H,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This was a very informative and fun tour. You got to ride on a real piece of Chicago history while learning about the the very diverse architecture of this city. I lived here as a kid/young adult never knew we had a lock between the river and the lake. 🤯. The tour guide was funny and knowledgeable. He answered all our questions and gave us lots of little gems. I learned some things on this tour that I had not heard of on other boat tours. They had a full bar with hot and cold drinks. Bartender was great and made good drinks. Two bathrooms on board. Was a very enjoyable experience. I would highly recommend this tour if you are looking to do a boat tour.
This felt more like a one...
Fabian T,May 3, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00This felt more like a one on one setting. Great knowledge and the tour guide was personable, and made everyone feel comfortable.
Great time!
Companion68611148854,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00An amazing time. Mr. Cliff, the tour guide, is super awesome. There were only 5 people myself and my mom included on the tour and it was incredible. My cat, Miss Aurora, was treated like a VIP. God bless. Support these folks!
The tour was great. Very...
Robert R,Apr 27, 2026
- Review from Viator
5.00The tour was great. Very helpful and friendly staff. The guide was very knowledgeable (as well as the bartender who recommended some great beers.) The Busse is an amazing boat. It was great to ride in part of Chicago's history while learning about Chicago's history.
From US$47.00
Want a private experience? Upgrade to a private tour
Related Experiences
Operated by Chicago Fireboat Tours