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🚤 Discover Chicago by Water: History, Architecture & Firefighting Legacy
Step aboard and let our expert docents guide you through the fascinating story of Chicago—told from the best seat in the city: the deck of our historic fireboat.
🌆 World-Famous Architecture
Marvel at Chicago’s skyline as we cruise past soaring skyscrapers and iconic landmarks. Our guides bring the city’s architectural wonders to life, sharing the stories behind the bold designs that made Chicago a global capital of architecture.
🔥 A Floating Firefighting Museum
This isn’t just a boat—it’s living history. Once a proud member of Chicago’s Fire Department fleet, our vessel now doubles as a floating museum. Explore photographs of the boat in action, examine authentic firefighting artifacts, and step into the shoes of the brave firefighters who once called this ship home.
🌊 The River’s Transformation
As we glide along the Chicago River, you’ll witness how the city’s landscape has evolved—from gritty stockyards and warehouses to bustling restaurants, gleaming towers, and lively riverwalks. What was once a desolate stretch of industrial shoreline is now a thriving hub that draws millions of visitors each year.
🕒 Tour Details
• Departure: DuSable Harbor
• Duration: 90–150 minutes (depending on the Chicago locks schedule)
• Routes: Both Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, offering unmatched views and stories
✨ Why Join Us?
Because this isn’t just a sightseeing cruise—it’s a journey through time. You’ll experience Chicago’s past and present in one unforgettable ride, blending breathtaking views with rich storytelling and authentic history.
90-120 min Chicago Lake and River Ride
Guided Tour in English
Drinks and Snacks available for purchase
Thank you for choosing Chicago Fireboat Tours. In an effort to reduce fraudulent credit card usage, we will be instituting a random credit card verification during our check in process which will require the credit card used and/or a photo ID to match the card information.
All tours and cruises depart from the pier separating Monroe and DuSable Harbor.
DuSable Harbor is at 111 N Lake Shore Drive, Chicago, IL 60601.
The Fred A. Busse is docked just East of the iconic MV Abegweit which houses the Columbia Yacht Club. Look for the big red Fireboat!
There may be a different location based on your specific tour, so please check the information below for the correct location.
Thank you for choosing Chicago Fireboat Tours. In an effort to reduce fraudulent credit card usage, we will be instituting a random credit card verification during our check in process which will require the credit card used and/or a photo ID to match the card information. Any other method of payment is exempt.
This is the point where the boat leaves and comes back to. We are behind the huge Columbia Yacht Club ship.
It is better to put in Columbia Yacht Club as the destination because the street address tends to cause problems for them.
There is a paid parking lot in the same intersection with DuSable Harbor that goes down and under lake shore drive.
This parking lot can fill early, so please research other nearby parking structures as a back up. We suggest Millennium Park Garage as that has 2100 spaces available. That address is 5 S. Columbus Drive. Park in the Millennium Lakeside Lot.
The boat starts check in 30 minutes prior and boarding 15min prior to tour time. The boat will leave on time and will not come back for anyone who may have missed it. Have your ID ready and the card used to purchase the tickets for verification.
There are bathrooms (Called 'Heads' on boats) as well as a full bar which serves water, soda, beer, wine, and mixed drinks for purchase. You are free to bring food aboard (no glass containers), but drinks other than water is not permitted.
