Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise
Overview
Travel on a piece of history, learning Chicago fire history as well as Architecture! We travel on Lake Michigan and 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.
What's Included
- Bathrooms available onboard
- Cruise on a piece of Chicago history
- Expert narration of Chicago's history & architecture
- Snacks Light snacks available for purchase onboard
- Alcoholic beverages Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase onboard
Meeting Location
111 North DuSable Lake Shore Drive
Chicago, IL 60601, USA
Detailed check-in instructions, including the exact address, are provided with your booking confirmation.
This activity ends back at the meeting point.
What To Expect
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- 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
Frequently Asked Questions (9)
Q: Will I get seasick on Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise?
Cancellation Policy
Still have questions?
We're here to help.
Activity code: C-447367P1
Traveler Photos
Reviews
Average 4.93 out of 5 stars based on 490 traveler reviews collected by City Balloon Tours and partner sites such as Cool Destinations and TripAdvisor
Additional Info
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Frequently Asked Questions (9)
The answers provided below were previously given in response to questions from City Balloon Tours customers.
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If you have any doubts about becoming seasick on the water, we recommend taking a Dramamine® Motion Sickness Relief tablet the night before your trip. Some people recommend taking it the night before your cruise and then again that morning so you will not feel so drowsy.
Feb 2023- For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the tour start time.
- If you cancel less than 24 hours before the tour start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
- Any changes made less than 24 hours before the tour start time will not be accepted.
- Cut-off times are based on the tour local time (CST).
- This tour requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund.
- Bathrooms available onboard.
- Cruise on a piece of Chicago history.
- Expert narration of Chicago's history & architecture.
- Snacks. Light snacks available for purchase onboard.
- Alcoholic beverages. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages available for purchase onboard.
This tour requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
Apr 2025There is no minimum age for this tour, so bring your wee one along for an adventure. This tour requires at least one adult to accompany children..
Apr 2025If a date or time is not listed on the calendar, it’s sold out or unavailable for another reason. Support cannot assist further if a date or time is not on the calendar.
If you find a date and time that works for you, book it NOW because things always sell out at this time of year.
Apr 2025Accessibility information for the Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise is as follows:
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Detailed check-in instructions – including meeting point address, Google map, and parking information – for Historical and Architectural Chicago Fireboat River & Lake Cruise will be included in your confirmation email from City Balloon Tours. Please be sure to double and triple check your email address is correct at checkout so this important email makes its way to you!
Mar 2024Once your refund is processed, it usually shows on your card statement within 5–10 business days. The exact timing depends on your bank or card issuer.
Want it sooner? When you cancel, choose Receive a refund to my wallet instead. The credit is in your Wallet straight away and is applied automatically at checkout on your next booking when you’re signed in with the same email. You can see your balance any time in My Wallet.
If you paid part of your booking with Wallet credit, that part always goes back to your Wallet. Trip protection isn’t refundable.
Oct 2026What'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
Additional Info
- Confirmation is instant and will be received at time of booking
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- 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
