Chicago Fireboat Tour: Historic Architecture Cruise

127 Ratings

Chicago

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Explore Chicago’s fire history and architecture on a historic fireboat cruise. Perfect for families and fire enthusiasts. Book your adventure today.

Duration: 2 hours

Cancellation: 24 hours

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Highlights

Chicago River - Discover the fascinating history and details of the Chicago River.

What's Included

Bathrooms available onboard
Cruise on a piece of Chicago history
Expert narration of Chicago’s history & architecture

What's Not Included

Snacks
Alcoholic beverages

Additional Information

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….

Location

111 N DuSable Lake Shore Dr

North DuSable Lake Shore Drive

CHICAGO FIREBOAT TOURS IS LOCATED ON THE CONCRETE PIER BETWEEN MONROE & DUSABLE HARBORS, JUST EAST OF MILLENNIUM & MAGGIE DALEY PARKS, AND ABOUT A MILE SOUTH OF NAVY PIER. WE ARE ON THE SAME DOCK AS THE MV ABEGWEIT, A 372FT BLUE & WHITE VESSEL HOUSING THE COLUMBIA YACHT CLUB.

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings

4.9

(127 Ratings)

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Vivian_w

Jul 19, 2025

Must do boat adventure - It was very informative. We wasn't restricted to just one place. We moved around the boat. It was relaxing.

Review provided by Viator

Rebecca_g

Jul 18, 2025

Take this boat- not one of the big boats!! - It was awesome being in a small boat with such history! Our tour guide shared so many historical and interesting stories from both Chicago’s past and present. So much better than the big boats packed full of people!

Review provided by Viator

Ralph_m

Jul 18, 2025

The best of Chicago - Private and great information about the city, history and culture. Nice bar on board. Would do it again.

Review provided by Viator

Chris_b

Jul 18, 2025

Awesome experience - Great trip on a historic vessel! The crew was very professional and we gained a lot of insight about Chicago history and architecture! I would definitely recommend!

Review provided by Viator

Kyle_m

Jul 18, 2025

It’s a retired fire boat! That’s cool in itself!!! - This boat is significantly adds to experience! The tour guide was very knowledgeable! I would 100% recommend this over the other tours!

Review provided by Viator

Heather_h

Jul 17, 2025

Thectour was informative... - The tour was informative and interesting. Great hospitality from the whole staff. Beautiful scenery.

Review provided by Viator

Robert_o

Jul 15, 2025

This was our second... - This was our second choice because of our last minute decision and the other option was booked. This is now our number one choice. Interesting presentation, friendly staff, entertaining and informative.

Review provided by Viator

992eddis

Jul 15, 2025

Fire Boat tour - Great crew! Wonderful smaller boat experience, with plenty of room to move from sun to shade. Interesting program. Highly recommend!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Rico_m

Jul 13, 2025

“The Time Machine” - As a lifelong resident of Chicago, I found the excursion to be quite informative. Our tour guide “CLIFF” kept everything “ALIVE!” He was exceedingly knowledgeable about the landmarks… their history and contemporary usages. “EXCELLENT!”

Review provided by Viator

Z1536dtmorganr

Jul 13, 2025

10/10 - Great staff and even better tour! The crew was very knowledgeable about the city. Easy to find at Navy Pier and the boat had a small history museum in board. Would recommend!

Review provided by Tripadvisor

Check Availability

From $45

up to 15 guests

1 - Adult