Storms on Lake Superior can quickly and unpredictably threaten both small and large vessels, and McQuade Small Craft Harbor provides lake access and a safe haven for boaters and anglers along the shoreline between Duluth-Superior Harbor and Knife River Marina. The harbor’s breakwater arms enclose the water to protect small craft, keeping waves inside the harbor to no more than one foot even when conditions on the open lake are rough. Lower and broader than many traditional commercial harbor breakwaters, the structure also preserves a scenic view of the lake. Completed in 2008, the harbor received a Large Access Outstanding Project Award in 2009 from the States Organization for Boating Access for its innovative design and engineering, safety features, and accessibility. Construction used recycled rock, including material from the Silver Cliff Tunnel east of Two Harbors, as well as low-grade taconite from the Iron Range. Rock blasted to create the harbor lines the basin as riprap and forms an acre of new land, and armor stones weighing as much as 32 tons on the Lake Superior side of the breakwater resist wave forces. The facilities resulted from a collaborative effort of the Minnesota DNR, the McQuade Public Access Committee, St. Louis County, the City of Duluth, Duluth and Lakewood Townships, and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.