Tours/Chicago/Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise

Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise

4.9(481)Chicago1 hour
VIATOR4.9(208)TRIPADVISOR4.9(273)
Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise

Description

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.

Tour Options

Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise

Itinerary

Pass by

Learn about the Chicago river and the history surrounding it.

Highlights

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

What's included

Included
Bathrooms available onboard
Cruise on a piece of Chicago history
Expert narration of Chicago's history & architecture
Not included
Light snacks available for purchase onboard
Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase onboard

Traveller Ratings

4.9
481 reviews
5
457
4
14
3
5
2
2
1
3

Important Information

  • 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.

Reviews(481)

G
gail_B
September 9, 2026
It was fine but went way...

It was fine but went way over return time dock. Had to reschedule our dinner reservations twice. Kids hanging around left side of railing and got a little loud hard to hear the speaker.

P
Patricia_S
September 8, 2026
Exceptional

This was the highlight of our weekend to Chicago. We couldn’t have asked for a better experience. The weather was gorgeous, and the staff were tremendous. Our guide was exceptionally knowledgeable about the history and architecture of Chicago, was entertaining, and friendly. Should we ever have a chance to revisit Chicago in the future, I would definitely book this experience again.

R
Richard_M
September 7, 2026
Chicago Fire Boat Tours

Excellent day! Crew was great and provided not only architectural information but also history about Chicago.

E
E6735MXnickf
September 3, 2026
The best boat tour in Chicago!

What a wonderful way to spend a couple of hours. Cliff and the entire team take you on an informative and relaxed cruise around Chicago. Highlighting historical moments, amazing architecture, and important landmarks of the Chicago skyline. We have been on other river tours, but this one is just on another level. The boat itself is a piece of Chicago history and will definitely remember the great tour and the people that run it!

8
876valerier
September 2, 2026
Classic Chicago Fireboat w/Passionate Crew

Wonderful, fun & informative tour. Everyone was welcoming & fun. Cliff did a great job narrating highlights with added stories of interest…some history & some fun tales. Denise & Eddy were lovely to talk with as well. The skipper handled the vessel beautifully on the lake, through the locks, & in/out of the river. We’ll be doing this again when next in Chicago. Thanks to all!

C
Chuck_P
August 31, 2026
If you take one water your, take this one. Terrific two hour It felt like a private tour.

Comfortable, small boat, friendly staff, knowledgeable narrator . A delightful and different way of touring the lakefront and learning so many interesting historical details about our city. .

K
Kayne_I
August 28, 2026
The staff is friendly and...

The staff is friendly and helpful. The tour guide is knowledgeable and funny. The boat is clean and is spacious. Highly recommend.

K
Karen_R
August 28, 2026
Great experience!

It was an enjoyable boat tour. Cliff was very informative and entertaining. We definitely would recommend the tour. Next time we are in Chicago, we probably would do the evening fireworks cruise.

T
Tom_L
August 27, 2026
Great Trip

Fun architecture through the Chicago River lock and a pleasant cruise enjoys the scenic views of Chicagos famous buildings.

C
cb543212345
August 27, 2026
Pick this tour!

There are several options for river tours; I'm glad I chose this one! The retired fireboat is very cool, and the guide was great! Also, this is a veteran owned business 👍 Highly recommend!

You might also like...

4.9(481)
Book now