Historical Fireboat River Tour

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 betwe

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.

From: $0.00

Location: Chicago

What's Included

Community Discussion

Q&A

Q: What's the best time of year to take the Historical Fireboat River Tour?

A: I recommend going in late spring or early fall. The weather's usually pretty nice, and you get to enjoy both the architecture and the history without being too hot. Summer can get super crowded, but the views are still amazing! Just check the schedule ahead of time; sometimes tours can fill up quickly.

Q: Are there any age restrictions for kids on the fireboat tour?

A: No official age restrictions, but it's perfect for kids. They usually enjoy the stories about the fireboat and the river. Just keep in mind that younger kids might need a little extra supervision since the boat can rock a bit!

Q: Can you bring food or drinks on the tour?

A: You can't bring food or drinks, but they do provide some refreshments on board for purchase. The focus is really on the experience and the history, so they want to keep things tidy. You can always grab a snack before or after!

Discussions

Just did the Fireboat Tour – what a unique experience!

I went on the Historical Fireboat River Tour last weekend, and it was so cool! The Fred A. Busse is a real gem, and the narration was super engaging. We got to see some amazing architecture along the river while learning about Chicago's fire history. My kids loved it, especially when they saw the firefighter memorabilia inside. Definitely a must-do if you’re in Chicago!

Considering gifting the Fireboat River Tour, any thoughts?

I’m thinking about getting the Historical Fireboat River Tour for my dad’s birthday. He’s a firefighter and loves history! Just wanted to know if anyone thinks it’s worth it. Are the tours usually crowded? I want him to have a good experience!