Historical Fireboat River Tour

Historical Fireboat River Tour

Price varies by date Check availability for current pricing

About This Tour in Chicago

Travel on a piece of history, learning Chicago fire history as well as Architecture! We travel 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.

Why Visit Chicago?

Chicago is a world-class city known for its stunning architecture, deep-dish pizza, and vibrant arts scene. Explore Millennium Park, visit world-renowned museums, and experience the famous Magnificent Mile. Chicago offers incredible lakefront views and a rich cultural heritage.

Getting to Chicago

The easiest way to reach Chicago is by flying into O'Hare International Airport (ORD) or Midway International Airport (MDW). From the airport, you can take a taxi, rideshare service (Uber, Lyft), or public transportation to reach the city center. Many hotels also offer shuttle services, and rental cars are widely available for exploring the area.

What's Included

  • Cruise on a piece of Chicago history
  • Expert narration of Chicago's history & architecture
  • Restroom on board

What's Not Included

  • Light snacks are available for purchase
  • Available for Purchase
  • Available for purchase aboard to anyone over the age of 21

Cancellation Policy

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

Additional 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

Customer Reviews

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Meeting and Pickup

Meeting Point

Cruise Chicago on a historic Fireboat, the Fred A Busse, Engine 41, on the same waterways

Dusable Harbor. River side.

End Point

Dusable Harbor. River side.

Pickup Information

Pickup Option: All travelers must meet at start point

Itinerary

Tour Itinerary

Cruise Chicago on a historic Fireboat, the Fred...

Cruise Chicago on a historic Fireboat, the Fred A Busse, Engine 41, on the same waterways where our vessel once fought fires and provided emergency assistance. Our expert tour guides take us through the Chicago River. We’ll highlight architecture, history, as well as some of our boat’s history with the city of Chicago and it’s Fire Department. Some would say you’re cruising on on a floating museum, with pictures of our boat in action, firefighting artifacts, and giving a glimpse of what is was like to be a firefighter stationed on the boat during it’s time in service, from 1937 to 1981. Come check it out, we’re looking forward to having you onboard!

Learn the history of Navy Pier on Lake Michigan

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cancellation policy?

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

How do I book this tour?

Click the "Book Now" button on this page to complete your reservation through Viator's secure booking platform. You'll receive instant confirmation via email.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?

Please check the age requirements and physical fitness level requirements listed in the tour details above. Some tours may have age restrictions or require a certain level of physical fitness.

Book Your Experience

Ready to book this experience? Click the button below to check availability, select your travel date and party size, and complete your booking on Viator.

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