Chicago: Fireboat River & Lake Cruise with History Tour

Summary

Chicago’s river history and lake views from a real fireboat

You’ll step aboard a genuine retired Chicago fireboat for a river and lake cruise with local storytelling, see firefighter memorabilia up close, hear true tales of city history, and feel what it’s like to ride through Chicago’s heart on water. It’s part history lesson, part adventure — with moments that’ll stick long after you’re back on land.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever been on a boat that used to fight fires?” That’s what our guide asked as we stepped onto the Fred A Busse, and honestly, I hadn’t. The paint inside still smells faintly like old machinery — or maybe that’s just my imagination. There were firefighter patches everywhere, stitched from places I’d never even heard of. Li, our guide, pointed out the oldest one and told us how it got there (I won’t spoil it). We drifted out onto Lake Michigan first; the air was cooler than I expected, and you could hear the slap of water against metal — not like those plastic tour boats at all.

The Chicago River looked different from this angle. You’re lower to the water, so the buildings feel taller somehow. Li started telling stories about the Great Chicago Fire and how this very boat helped out back in the day. There was a kid next to me who kept asking about hoses and engines — Li didn’t miss a beat, just grinned and answered everything. At one point he let us peek at some old dials in the cabin; they’re all worn smooth from decades of hands. I tried to picture firefighters standing right where I was, soaked and shouting over sirens. Kind of wild.

I don’t know if it was the sun bouncing off the skyscrapers or just being on something with so much history under my feet, but I felt weirdly connected to Chicago for once. There’s something about hearing real stories while you’re floating past all that glass and steel — makes it stick more than reading a plaque ever could. The cruise ended too soon for me; I kept looking back at the river as we docked. Still think about that view sometimes when I hear sirens at home.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chicago Fireboat River and Lake Cruise

• Board retired fireboat Fred A Busse
• View firefighter patches and memorabilia
• Learn Chicago fire history onboard
• Travel on Lake Michigan
• Cruise through Chicago River
• See Chicago architecture and sights

Top questions

Is this Chicago fireboat cruise suitable for families?

Yes, families are welcome and children can join with prams or strollers allowed onboard.

Are bathrooms available during the river & lake cruise?

Yes, there are bathrooms available onboard the fireboat for your convenience.

Does the tour include narration about Chicago's architecture?

Yes, an expert guide shares stories about both Chicago's history and its architecture throughout the cruise.

Where does the fireboat cruise depart in Chicago?

The cruise departs from Harbor Parking at 111 N. Lakeshore Drive in Chicago.

Are alcoholic drinks served on board?

Alcoholic drinks are available only for travelers 21 years old and above; non-alcoholic drinks are served to minors.

Can service animals join this historical fireboat tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed on board during the tour.

What’s included

Your trip includes a narrated river and lake cruise aboard a historic retired Chicago fireboat with expert local storytelling about city history and architecture, access to firefighter memorabilia inside the cabin, bathrooms onboard for comfort throughout your journey, plus options for both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks depending on age before returning to shore.