Chicago Fireboat Tours
CHICAGO FIREBOAT TOURS IS CLOSED FOR THE SEASON. THE FUN BEGINS AGAIN IN SPRING 2024!
Join us for a historical experience on Chicago’s very own Fred A. Busse Fireboat! While there are other excursion boats in Chicago, Chicago Fireboat Tours stands out because you’re riding on an actual piece of Chicago history. Our flagship vessel, the Fred A. Busse, was an active Fireboat for the Chicago Fire Department from 1937 until 1981. Some would say you’re cruising on a floating museum, with pictures of our boat in action along with firefighting artifacts, giving our guests a glimpse of what it was like to be a firefighter stationed on the boat in 1937.
Chicago Fireboat Tours is Veteran owned and offers an adventure for everyone. We cruise both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, and invite you to join us for a memorable cruising experience. Review our options below and purchase your tickets today! Advance reservations are highly recommended.
Our Historical & Architectural Cruise typically runs 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the schedule of the Chicago locks. This tour highlights Chicago’s landscape and architecture from Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, showing how it has developed over time from stockyards to steakhouses.
Our sunset cruises are always lake only cruises, we do not have a tour guide or transit the locks onto the river.
Chicago Fireboat Tours is Veteran owned and offers an adventure for everyone. We cruise both the Chicago River and Lake Michigan, and invite you to join us for a memorable cruising experience. Review our options below and purchase your tickets today! Advance reservations are highly recommended.
HISTORICAL & ARCHITECTURAL CRUISE
Cruise the same waterways where the Fred A. Busse once fought fires and provided emergency assistance. Our expert docents guide you from Lake Michigan, through the Chicago locks, then onto the Chicago River. We’ll highlight architecture, history, and some of our boat’s history with the Fire Department.Our Historical & Architectural Cruise typically runs 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the schedule of the Chicago locks. This tour highlights Chicago’s landscape and architecture from Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, showing how it has developed over time from stockyards to steakhouses.
SUNSET CRUISE
Our Sunset Cruise will surely be a night to remember. We depart the dock prior to sunset with plenty of time to grab a drink at the bar, have a seat with your guests and take in one of the most spectacular views in Chicago as the sun sets behind the skyline. Our sunset cruises are always lake only cruises, we do not have a tour guide or transit the locks onto the river.
SPECIALTY CRUISES
We offer specialty cruises throughout the boating season, including our popular St. Patrick's Day cruises and periodic beer tasting cruises. Check our cruise calendar for dates and times.
DOCK LOCATION
Chicago Fireboat Tours is located on the beautiful lakefront among some of Chicago's best attractions. We are docked on the pier between Monroe Harbor and DuSable Harbor, just east of Millennium and Maggie Daley Parks, and a short stroll south of Navy Pier.