Last updated on August 19, 2025
Chicago is a city best explored on two wheels, and one of our favorite rides took us straight to two iconic TV landmarks: the firehouse made famous in Chicago Fire and the building from the classic series Hill Street Blues.
Engine Co. 18 — The Chicago Fire House
Located at 1360 S. Blue Island Avenue, Engine Company 18 is an active Chicago Fire Department station. Fans of NBC’s Chicago Fire will recognize it immediately as Firehouse 51, the home of Chief Boden and the rest of the crew. The exterior is exactly as seen on screen, and while you can’t tour inside during filming, you can often peek at the rigs outside or snap a picture with the recognizable brick facade and red doors.
Travel Tip: Be respectful — this is a working firehouse. If the bay doors are open and the firefighters aren’t on call, many fans report they’re happy to chat or let you grab a quick photo.
Hill Street Blues Building
Just a short ride away sits the Hill Street Blues station house, used for exterior shots in the 1980s police drama. The building is located at 943 West Maxwell Street, once the old Maxwell Street Police Station. While the show called it “Hill Street,” Chicagoans knew it by its real history as one of the busiest precincts in the city. The station was decommissioned in the 1990s, but the structure remains, making it a nostalgic stop for TV buffs.
Lunch Stop: Greektown Chicago
After visiting both sites, take a short bike ride north into Greektown for lunch. One of the best options is Greek Islands Restaurant (200 S. Halsted St.), a longtime Chicago favorite known for classic Greek dishes, warm service, and generous portions. From Engine 18 and the Hill Street Blues building, it’s an easy pedal — and a perfect way to refuel before exploring more of the city.
Why Explore by Bike?
Chicago’s lakefront and neighborhood bike paths make cycling one of the easiest ways to cover ground. On this ride, we mixed TV history with city exploration — cruising through Chicago’s historic Near West Side and ending with plenty of time to grab a bite in the South Loop.
Planning Your Visit
- Best Way to Get Around: Rent a Divvy bike or e-bike for the day.
- Combine Stops: Add nearby highlights like the University of Illinois at Chicago campus or Greektown for food.
- Photo Tip: Morning light makes for the best firehouse shots — fewer cars and cleaner angles.
- Lunch Option: Lucky Sandwich Co.
