This architecture and history cruise puts guests aboard a genuine piece of Chicago history, sailing through Lake Michigan and the Chicago River. The vessel once served as a working fireboat for the Chicago Fire Department, and it now doubles as a floating museum, complete with photographs and artifacts from its firefighting days. A docent narrates the ride, pointing out the skyscrapers and landmarks that made Chicago a global capital of architecture, and tracing how the river itself went from gritty industrial shoreline to the lively riverwalk seen today.

Departing from DuSable Harbor, the cruise runs 90 to 150 minutes depending on the Chicago locks schedule, with light snacks and both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks available for purchase onboard. It is a laid back way to see Chicago from a totally different angle, whether for a first visit or a lifelong local.

Any restrictions to participate?

• Age: All age groups are welcome.
• Experience level: All levels are welcome.

Who can you accommodate for?

• Children: Children 3 years old and under may join for free.
• Individuals with disabilities: This cruise is not currently fully wheelchair accessible; boarding involves 4 steps up and 4 steps down onto the boat.
• Languages: The tour is currently offered in English only.
• Pets: Dogs are allowed onboard and must remain leashed with their owners at all times.

What to expect on the day of the experience?

• Duration: 2 hours; can vary slightly depending on the Chicago locks schedule
• What's included: A guided lake and river ride with a docent-led tour; snacks and drinks (alcoholic and non-alcoholic) are available for purchase onboard.
• Who will be present: A docent leads the tour, with up to 127 other passengers and 5 crew members aboard.
• Specific rules to follow: No BYOB or outside beverages are allowed; staff can stow personal drinks in a secure area until departure.

How to prepare?

• Weather dependency: This is an outdoor, on-water experience subject to seasonal availability.
• Arrival: Plan to arrive 15 minutes before the scheduled departure time; refunds are not given for no-shows.
• Parking: Harbor parking lot access is at the same intersection as the harbor entrance; the Millennium Park Garage at 5 Columbus Dr is the next closest option if the lot is full.
• What to bring:
  • A valid ID
  • Cash or a major credit card for onboard purchases
• Restrooms/lockers/changing rooms: Two restrooms are available onboard.

Anything else I should know before going on this experience?

• Tickets are based on seasonal availability and may sell out; booking ahead is recommended.

Unused Experience Vouchers can be returned within 14 days for a full refund to the original purchaser, no questions asked.

If you have any unused Experience Vouchers, you can exchange them for any other experience in our marketplace, free of charge, no matter when. If you choose an experience that's more expensive, you'll need to pay the difference.

No refunds are allowed once the experience is booked, but you can reschedule up to 48 hours before your experience, for a date within a year of the original booking. To reschedule, contact the experience provider directly. No-shows or rescheduling less than 48 hours in advance means losing the value of your experience.