Architecture and Craft on a Granite Ledge
Haystack Mountain School of Crafts occupies 40 acres on Stinson’s Neck, a granite-and-spruce peninsula extending off the southeastern tip of Deer Isle into Jericho Bay. The campus was designed by architect Edward Larrabee Barnes and opened in 1961. Thirty-four buildings step down a steep granite ledge toward the Atlantic, connected by wooden walkways and staircases that seem to float above the forest floor. The effect is a campus that belongs to its landscape rather than sitting on top of it.
The architecture alone is worth the visit. The American Institute of Architects awarded the campus its Twenty-five Year Award in 1994, recognizing a work that has stood the test of time. In 2006, the campus was added to the National Register of Historic Places. In 2021, The New York Times Style Magazine named it one of the 25 most significant works of postwar architecture.
But Haystack is not a museum. It is a working school where artists and craftspeople come for intensive two-week workshops in ceramics, glass, metals, fiber, wood, and other media. The energy of people making things fills the campus, and the relationship between the craft being practiced inside the studios and the raw materials of granite, spruce, and saltwater outside the windows is part of what makes this place exceptional.
What to See
Visitors are welcome to walk the central staircase from the main office at the top of the campus down to the flag deck, a broad platform overlooking the water. The staircase is the spine of Barnes’s design, a long descent through the tree canopy that reveals the ocean gradually as you walk down. The buildings on either side are modest, clad in local materials, and set at angles that create a sense of discovery as each studio comes into view.
The flag deck at the bottom is the gathering point of the campus. From here you look straight out across Jericho Bay to the outer islands and the open Atlantic. On clear days, the view extends to Isle au Haut and the mountains of Acadia in the distance. The deck is where the community gathers for meals and lectures, and the quality of light here, filtered through the spruce canopy and reflected off the water, is remarkable.
The Haystack Store, located near the flag deck, sells work by faculty and students. Ceramics, jewelry, prints, glass, and textiles are all represented, and the quality is high. Buying a piece here supports the school and the artists directly.
Check the Haystack website for their public lecture and tour schedule. During workshop sessions in summer, the school hosts talks and open studio events that give visitors a deeper look at the work being done. These events fill up, so check dates and arrive early.
When to Go
Summer
Peak workshop season. The campus is alive with artists working. Public visiting hours are regular. The store is fully stocked. Best weather for the walk down to the flag deck.
Fall
Late-season workshops continue into September. The campus is quieter and the fall light on the water is beautiful. Store hours may be reduced.
Spring
The campus opens for public visits in May. Workshops begin. The forest is greening up and the bay is quiet.
Winter
The campus is closed to the public.
Practical Notes
Deer Isle is a destination in itself, with a thriving community of year-round artists, galleries, and working harbors. Haystack is the anchor, but spend time in the village of Stonington at the tip of the island, where the lobster fleet works out of a harbor surrounded by pink granite. The drive across the suspension bridge to Deer Isle is scenic, and the island rewards a full day of exploring.
Visitors must check in at the Main Office at the top of the campus before walking the grounds. The central staircase and flag deck are open to visitors during public hours. For safety, the studios, shoreline, and other buildings are closed to the public. Haystack does not have a boat dock or mooring for visitors arriving by water.
The walk from the Main Office down to the flag deck involves a long staircase. It is not steep in any one section, but the total descent and return climb are worth noting if mobility is a concern. Wear comfortable shoes.
Parking is free in the lot near the Main Office. The access road is paved.
Cell service is spotty on Deer Isle and limited on the Haystack campus.
Getting There
From Route 1 in Orland (near Bucksport), take Route 15 south through Blue Hill and across the Deer Isle-Sedgwick Bridge to Deer Isle village. From the village, follow signs to Haystack Mountain School of Crafts on Haystack School Drive. The campus is at the end of the road on Stinson’s Neck. From Portland, the drive is about 3.5 hours. From Bangor, about 90 minutes.
The Deer Isle-Sedgwick Bridge is a suspension bridge with a distinctive arch. The views from the bridge of Eggemoggin Reach are a preview of the scenery to come.
FAQ
Can anyone visit Haystack?
Yes. From May through October, visitors are welcome during public hours to walk the central staircase, visit the flag deck, and browse the Haystack Store. Check the website for current hours and any scheduled public events.
Is Haystack free to visit?
Yes. There is no admission fee for public visiting hours.
Can I take a workshop at Haystack?
Yes. Haystack offers two-week intensive workshops in various craft media throughout the summer. Applications are accepted through their website. Scholarships and work-study positions are available.
Who designed the Haystack campus?
Architect Edward Larrabee Barnes designed the campus, which opened in 1961. The buildings step down a granite ledge toward the ocean, connected by wooden walkways. The campus received the AIA Twenty-five Year Award in 1994 and was added to the National Register of Historic Places in 2006.
Are dogs allowed at Haystack?
No. Dogs are not permitted on the campus grounds.
For more on Deer Isle, see our guide to Deer Isle.
