Chicago Fire Boat ToursCHICAGO, ILLINOIS
One of the most unusual and fantastic tours you can take when cruising to Chicago is to take a ride with Chicago Fireboat Tours. This veteran owned tour boat company offers historical tours, sunset cruises and several private events cruising the Chicago River and Lake Michigan. |
Their flagship vessel the Fred A. Busse Engine #41 which in its time was an active fireboat for the Chicago Fire Department from 1937 to 1981. This boat was designed and built in Bay City, Michigan for the City of Chicago. Named after the 39th Mayor of Chicago who was in office from 1907 to 1911. At the time it served Chicago, it was the largest diesel powered Fireboat in the world. It was built to fit underneath Chicago’s city bridges so it would significantly reduce response time. It had 4 water pumps onboard and was rated for 10,000 gallons per minute and was able to spray water up to 27 stories high.
You’ll boat around the lakefront on an actual piece of Chicago history. The Fred A. Busse was retired as a fireboat in 1981. It operated as an excursion boat out of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin but has since returned to Chicago. The tour will take you down the same routes on the Chicago River where they fought historic fires as well as highlight some of the most famous architecture in the city.
The boat can accommodate up to 127 people and they do offer private charters or special event cruises for your group. The guided lake and historical tours take about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the Chicago locks schedule. Their evening sunset cruise offers spectacular views of Chicago skyline with the sun setting beautifully in the back. During Memorial Day and Labor Day you can take the evening fireworks cruise at the Navy Pier and view the exciting fireworks display over Lake Michigan while seeing all the beautiful lights of downtown Chicago. Learn more about the cruises that visit Chicago.
You’ll boat around the lakefront on an actual piece of Chicago history. The Fred A. Busse was retired as a fireboat in 1981. It operated as an excursion boat out of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin but has since returned to Chicago. The tour will take you down the same routes on the Chicago River where they fought historic fires as well as highlight some of the most famous architecture in the city.
The boat can accommodate up to 127 people and they do offer private charters or special event cruises for your group. The guided lake and historical tours take about 1.5 to 2 hours depending on the Chicago locks schedule. Their evening sunset cruise offers spectacular views of Chicago skyline with the sun setting beautifully in the back. During Memorial Day and Labor Day you can take the evening fireworks cruise at the Navy Pier and view the exciting fireworks display over Lake Michigan while seeing all the beautiful lights of downtown Chicago. Learn more about the cruises that visit Chicago.
- OPEN DAILY -
- Tickets available for sale on-line -
- Arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to departure so you don’t miss the boat -
- Please check website for specific information and ticket pricing -
- Tickets available for sale on-line -
- Arrive no later than 15 minutes prior to departure so you don’t miss the boat -
- Please check website for specific information and ticket pricing -
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Learn more about the Chicagos's Historic Fire Boat Tours by visiting their website.
Address: DuSable Harbor, 111 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 919-3367
Address: DuSable Harbor, 111 N. Lakeshore Drive, Chicago, IL 60601
Phone: (312) 919-3367
Updated 11/02/20- LLS
