CHICAGO (WLS) — Chicago Fireboat Tour it's great to be back on the water, offering Chicagoans and tourists alike the opportunity to explore a slice of Chicago history.
Built in 1936, Fred A. Busse was the largest diesel-powered fireboat in the world at the time, and served the Chicago Fire Department from 1937-1981. It was built to fit under the Chicago bridge, minimizing response times to emergencies and helping reduce congestion in the rapidly growing city. After retiring she converted to a passenger ship and cruised Chicago then operated tours in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin for nearly 20 years. Her owners, Navy veterans and licensed captains Ray Novak and Erich Totsch, renovated the retired fireboat, and she is now sailing the Chicago waters once again.
Fred A. Busse has a miniature museum with artefacts, photographs and firefighting equipment from the ship's operation.
Historical and architectural cruises take passengers through the Chicago locks and onto the Chicago River, with expert tour guides recounting highlights of Chicago's magnificent architecture.
Sunset Brew Cruises offer fantastic lakeside views of the Chicago skyline at sunset on Thursday nights with the opportunity to sip Phase Three Brewing's fresh, innovative, and newly released ales and lagers.
Enjoy live music from Paul Strolia during brew cruises on the first Thursday of every month! Fireworks cruises are Saturday and Wednesday nights through Labor Day weekend for one of the best views of the show.
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Prices range from $40 to $45 for adults, with discounts available for seniors, veterans, military, first responders, and children. All tours and cruises are one and a half to two hours long, docking at DuSable Harbour. The ship has an onboard cash bar featuring wine, beer, cocktails and other drinks. One of the best family-friendly boat tours in Chicago, kids can learn about fire and maritime safety information using a few fire extinguishers on their own, while adults take in the views from the lakes and rivers, said Totsch on ABC7 Chicago Sunday.
Chicago Fireboat Tours is a 100% veteran owned company, receiving assistance from the Veteran Business Project, a non-profit organization that helps veteran entrepreneurs start or finance businesses. Both Totsch and Novak served in the Navy on separate ships from the San Diego – Novak for four years and Totsch for five and a half years, being posted overseas five times between them. Their passion for being above water has never waned after their dedication, which brought them to where they are today.
Chicago Fireboat Tours plans to give back, donating a portion of ticket sales to help veterans in need and organizations that support the families of fallen first responders.
Chicago Fireboat Tours operates from DuSable Harbor, located at 111 N. DuSable Lake Shore Drive.
For the complete cruise schedule and to buy tickets, visit www.fireboattours.com or call 312-919-3367.