Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
Recommended by 98% of travelers
Badge of Excellence
Chicago, USA
- 2 hours (approx.)
- Mobile ticket
- Offered in: English
Why travelers loved this
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Overview
Maximize your Chicago sightseeing on a river cruise—and travel aboard a unique historical vessel, which other tours don’t offer—on this one-of-a-kind excursion. Pick from different departure times and board a classic Chicago fireboat, which served the city’s fire department from 1937 to 1981. As you sail Lake Michigan and the Chicago River, view architectural highlights including the Wrigley Building and Chicago Lighthouse, and chart the boat’s firefighting history via the on-board displays and commentary.
- This river boat tour covers top Chicago landmarks, all in one quick trip
- Learn facts about the city’s sights and fire service most travelers miss
- Relax with snacks and drinks available for purchase on board
- Great for first-time visitors, families, and firefighting enthusiasts
What's Included
- Bathrooms available onboard
- Cruise on a piece of Chicago history
- Expert narration of Chicago's history & architecture
- SnacksLight snacks available for purchase onboard
- Alcoholic BeveragesAlcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase onboard
Meeting and Pickup
Meeting point
- Chicago Fireboat Tours111 N Jean Baptiste Pointe du Sable Lake Shore Dr Dock H, Chicago, IL 60601, USA
DuSable Harbor, Concrete pier Dock H behind the Columbia Yacht Club
End point
This activity ends back at the meeting point.Itinerary
Chicago River (Pass By)
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Service animals allowed
- Near public transportation
- Most travelers can participate
- Important Note: We only serve alcoholic drinks for travelers 21 years old and above. Minor travelers below 21 years old will be served non-alcoholic drinks.
- Harbor Parking at 111 N. Lakeshore Drive. Access to parking in same intersection as harbor.
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 100 travelers
Supplied by
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
Traveler Photos
Featured review
Jady_T
Such a fun and unique experience! We absolutely loved the concept of the fireboat — it’s such a cute and charming way to explore Chicago. It was a little tricky to find the boat at first since it’s tucked right behind a larger boat at the address provided, but once we figured that out, everything was smooth sailing (literally!).
A huge thank you to our tour guide, Cliff — he was fantastic! Cliff shared so many interesting stories about Chicago’s architecture and history, and his passion really showed. We learned so much while enjoying the beautiful views. Also a big shoutout to the friendly staff who were waiting for us when we arrived. They were super patient, helpful, and made sure we got on board without stress.
Highly recommend this cruise to anyone looking for a different and memorable way to experience Chicago. The fireboat is truly one-of-a-kind!
Reviews
4.9
based on 479 reviews
Sort by: Most insightful
Richard_M, Sep 2026
Excellent day! Crew was great and provided not only architectural information but also history about Chicago.
Chuck_P, Aug 2026
Comfortable, small boat, friendly staff, knowledgeable narrator . A delightful and different way of touring the lakefront and learning so many interesting historical details about our city. .
Kayne_I, Aug 2026
The staff is friendly and helpful. The tour guide is knowledgeable and funny. The boat is clean and is spacious. Highly recommend.
Karen_R, Aug 2026
It was an enjoyable boat tour. Cliff was very informative and entertaining. We definitely would recommend the tour. Next time we are in Chicago, we probably would do the evening fireworks cruise.
Tom_L, Aug 2026
Fun architecture through the Chicago River lock and a pleasant cruise enjoys the scenic views of Chicagos famous buildings.
KenS, Aug 2026
Comfortable, we sat up front and the views were great. Cliff was very knowledgeable and personable. Magic Manny at the bar was great too. We had a great time.
alesia_s, Aug 2026
This tour is great and it gives you a small group experience without breaking your bank. It combines both lake tour and the architectural river tour. Definitely one of the highlights of the Chicago trip.
Christina_C, Aug 2026
Chicago fireboat cruise was amazing. My daughter read the “I survived the Chicago fire”book and loved hearing the stories about it. We learned so much about the architecture as well. This is great for all ages.
Raymond_I, Aug 2026
Really enjoyed this trip on the river and Lake. Saw all the great sites and had fun too with a very knowlegdeable and funny guide.I highly
recommend this tour!
Atacan_D, Aug 2026
Loved this boat tour. Very cool vintage boat. Great crew and the tour guide was very informative. Highly recommend.
heather_s, Aug 2026
This is an amazing experience. Much more personalized and intimate than the huge boats leaving from downtown.
Theresa_P, Aug 2026
It was fantastic. No complaints. it was comfortable, incredibly informative. The narrator was very knowledgeable and funny
DavidFran_B, Aug 2026
We had an amazing two hour historical and architectural boat tour in Chicago! Our tour guide, Cliff, was fantastic. He was incredibly knowledgeable and shared so many fascinating facts about Chicago’s history and the beautiful architecture along the river.
Cliff was also so personable and genuinely interested in getting to know us. He came over to ask where we were from and even recommended some great places for us to visit during our time in Chicago.
This tour was absolutely worth every penny! Seeing the incredible buildings while learning the history and stories behind them made the experience so much more enjoyable. I highly recommend this tour to anyone visiting Chicago. Be sure to request Cliff because you won’t be disappointed!
Laura_K, Aug 2026
Fabulous adventure and most wonderful knowledge shared with the guests. Highly recommend this company. It’s a small quaint guest count which made the tour personal and comfortable.
ashleyness45, Aug 2026
Absolutely wonderful tour all around. The boat is amazing and the crew was fantastic. We learned so much about the area and history, with lots of laughs from the amazing Cliff. Magic Manny the bartender quenched our thirst the entire time. Great seating options with sun and shade, and plenty of space to walk around the boat. It was our first time to Chicago so we highly recommend this tour to get a great view of the city and learn about the architecture of the amazing city. We loved going thru the lock and river, as well as getting the skyline view from Lake Michigan. 10/10!!
Eroica_W, Aug 2026
Wonderful trip! Very informative and such a friendly crew! Couldn't have asked for a better adventure on the river/lake
Jennifer_F, Aug 2026
Wonderful crew and narrator to explain history and architecture of Chicago!! Gave lots of info I had not heard before!!
C_D, Aug 2026
Received a message the night prior that our Cruise on the fireboat was canceled due to dangerous weather conditions. Fortunately we rebooked the same offering with Wendella and had a great experience with smooth sailing.
Matt_G, Aug 2026
Small group setting. Speaker was engaged and passionate. Xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
MichelleC_B, Aug 2026
It was the perfect tour to learn about Chicago’s architecture and the tour guides were professional, friendly, and knowledgeable.
Ian_M, Jul 2026
A very good tour, offering great value, and to travel on a fireboat made it more relevant. The guide was informative and funny too. Nice to stsrt outsifmde the city, trip around the harbour and go through the lock gates. Good information on architecture and buildings. A trip out to the lighthouse toward the end of tour was also an added bonus.
Melody_S, Jul 2026
Sadly, our cruise was cancelled due to weather. There were no reservations available for the late afternoon, the rest of the week. I’m sure it would have been great. We were able to book with a different company but hated we didn’t get the fireboat experience. I’m trusting I will get my refund.
Daniell_S, Jul 2026
This was a lot of fun and very knowledgeable. There is a parking lot nearby that is reserved for the boat cruises. It showed full when we went at noon but we asked and they let us in. This was very relaxing and you got to see the architecture up close. Would definitely do again.
Greg_D, Jul 2026
This was the best tour with great information and great crew. The tour guide was super informative and his knowledge about the city is second to none.
imkworthy2, Jul 2026
What a great excursion on the Chicago Fireboat Architecture tour. The whole staff treated us well. The tour guide, Jeff, was so knowledgeable. It was a beautiful day to be out on the water.
Shannon_K, Jul 2026
The fireboat boat was so amazing, the staff was so attentive and the guide was so knowledgeable. My family loved it
Lilly_F, Jul 2026
This was a river & lake cruise tour of the Chicago buildings aboard an updated 90 year old Chicago Fireboat. A retired fireman & Navy veteran gave an adequate description of the architecture.
Kristie_E, Jul 2026
Conveniently located! Nice crew. We learned things about Chicago we hadn’t heard before. Highly recommend this tour. Money well spent.
Brian_C, Jul 2026
Wonderful experience … The tour guide was knowledgeable and friendly. He made you feel like you were his first tour. He was excited about the information, and not cheesy. Absolutely recommend. Bar was stocked, and rest of crew was as friendly.
Mary_B, Jul 2026
Best tour boat ever! Cliff, the narrator, was informative, funny, told great stories and history of Chicago.
From $47.00
per personup to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
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Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
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