Chicago Fireboat Tours is a Veteran owned, Chicago tour boat company. We conduct historical tours, sunset cruises AND private events on THE CHICAGO RIVER AND Lake Michigan, on the fred A. busse, a retired chicago fireboat. Although there are other excursion boats in Chicago, ours stands out because you're riding on an actual piece of Chicago History.
Our flagship vessel is the Fred A. Busse, which was an active Fireboat for the Chicago Fire Department from 1937 until 1981. Throughout her tenure with the Fire Department she was involved in many emergency response situations, assisting with some major fires in Chicago's history. Upon retirement, the Busse was converted into an excursion boat operating out of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin but is now back in her original homeport of Chicago.
Our flagship vessel is the Fred A. Busse, which was an active Fireboat for the Chicago Fire Department from 1937 until 1981. Throughout her tenure with the Fire Department she was involved in many emergency response situations, assisting with some major fires in Chicago's history. Upon retirement, the Busse was converted into an excursion boat operating out of Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin but is now back in her original homeport of Chicago.
Services
Chicago Fireboat Tours offerS AN ADVENTURE FOR EVERYONE, VIEW our OPTIONS BELOW AND PURCHASE YOUR TICKETS TODAY!. Our Historical & Architectural Cruise typically runs 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on the schedule of the Chicago locks. Tours usually run Wednesday through Sunday daily during the boating season (April to November, ) however times and availability may vary so check our calendar to confirm our schedule.
With a capacity of up to 127 people, THE FRED A. BUSSE is one of the most unique venues in Chicago for YOUR special event. Whether it's a birthday or retirement party, corporate event or reunion, the Fred A. Busse has the perfect layout to treat your guests to an unforgettable evening on Lake Michigan or the Chicago River.
DOCKED ON THE PIER between MONROE & DUsABLE HARBOR, JUST east of Millennium & Maggie Daley ParkS and A SHORT STROLL south of Navy Pier. If taking a taxi, limo, or ride-share service, there's an easy drop off point in the cul-de-sac at the east end of LOWER Randolph St, East (towards the lake) of Lake Shore Dr.
Customers will receive a full refund or credit with at least 48 hours notice of cancellation from the start time of their tour or cruise. Customers will also receive a full refund or credit in case operator cancels due to inclement weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Contact us by phone to cancel or inquire about a cancellation.
Reviews (21)
Luis Huang
Oct 30, 2021
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Leah Soesbe Cruz
Oct 04, 2021
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David Hancock
Sep 14, 2021
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Joey Muscolino
Sep 14, 2021
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Jessica Norden
Sep 05, 2021
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Chrysa Dina
Sep 02, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
My coworkers and I from Schaumburg FD had an outing on the fire boat and loved every second of it. The staff was friendly and helpful, the drinks were delicious, everything was clean, weather was perfect; we couldn’t have asked for a better night. We will definitely be back many more times.
My coworkers and I from Schaumburg FD had an outing on the fire boat and loved every second of it. The staff was friendly and helpful, the drinks were delicious, everything was clean, weather was perfect; we couldn’t have asked for a better night. We will definitely be back many more times.
Casey McManus
Aug 30, 2021
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Jennifer Parry
Aug 02, 2021
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Positive: Professionalism, Quality, Responsiveness, Value
We had a fantastic time on the Chicago Fireboat Sunset Cruise! The captain and crew were personable and took us on a great tour while playing fun music. I was able to relax and enjoy the scenery, and I took photos of the lighthouse, Navy Pier, and the skyline. I definitely recommend Chicago Fireboat Tours!
We had a fantastic time on the Chicago Fireboat Sunset Cruise! The captain and crew were personable and took us on a great tour while playing fun music. I was able to relax and enjoy the scenery, and I took photos of the lighthouse, Navy Pier, and the skyline. I definitely recommend Chicago Fireboat Tours!
Mauritio J.
Jul 23, 2021
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L. L.
Jul 09, 2021
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An awesome fun 90 minute tour of Lake Michigan and Chicago River. You can bring food and buy drinks including alcohol aboard. Crew is very friendly and Captain Bob provided a fun narrative of the city's history. Also, how often do you have the opportunity to ride on a retired fire boat built in 1936?! I highly recommend it!
Natalie F.
Jun 28, 2021
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This was one of our family's favorite experiences while visiting Chicago. Captain Erich and Captain Ray (Navy Veteran owners) were incredible hosts. We learned about the river, the locke system, and the spectacular architecture and history of this iconic city. Their bar features local brews from Phase Three Brewery along with anything else you could want to drink. We enjoyed the night cruise so much we had to come back for the day cruise. Support small businesses and even better, support Veteran-owned businesses! Thank you Chicago Fireboats for being the highlight of our trip--you guys rock
Erik Hildebrandt
Jun 04, 2021
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Altinay Cortes
Jun 02, 2021
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Jerry L.
May 03, 2021
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Cole E.
Sep 27, 2020
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Awesome experience with Chicago Fireboat Tours- highly recommend for those wanting to learn about the architecture and history of Chicago. It takes you right along the river and the staff is extremely funny and witty throughout the tour. Plenty of space on the boat so doesn't feel uncomfortable with seating. Absolutely plan on returning, thanks for a great morning on the boat!
Oly M.
Sep 05, 2020
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Love love loved our tour today!
The tour guide was fabulous - just the right mix of history and fun facts with lots of jokes in between.
I was so relieved to see they made sure everyone followed the COVID guidelines at all times.
Even being local to Chivago for almost 2 years now, I learnt a whole lot of new tidbits today and I have done different boat tours on 2 different occasions other than this.
They had a full bar on the boat, the boat in itself was beautiful - an original fireboat from 1937! There was good covered seating in the back and open seating in the front. Highly recommend opting
The tour guide was fabulous - just the right mix of history and fun facts with lots of jokes in between.
I was so relieved to see they made sure everyone followed the COVID guidelines at all times.
Even being local to Chivago for almost 2 years now, I learnt a whole lot of new tidbits today and I have done different boat tours on 2 different occasions other than this.
They had a full bar on the boat, the boat in itself was beautiful - an original fireboat from 1937! There was good covered seating in the back and open seating in the front. Highly recommend opting
Kel R.
Aug 08, 2020
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By boyfriend and I took the sunset cruise on Wednesday evening. We had such a great time. We actually bought a Groupon, but would easily pay full price for the experience we had. Incredible views, stunning sunset, full bar, great music, friendly staff, relaxing atmosphere, and a clean boat with plenty of space! Can't wait to go again.
Parag D.
Oct 19, 2019
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Sean S.
Oct 02, 2019
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Stephen C.
Sep 14, 2019
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Leslie L.
Sep 01, 2019
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