Stonington, Maine
Working fishing village on Deer Isle with Maine's largest lobster fleet, granite heritage, Haystack craft school, and the boat to Isle au Haut's wild Acadia trails.
Stonington is the real thing. While many Maine harbor towns have shifted toward tourism, Stonington's economy still runs on lobster. More than 300 boats work out of this harbor, landing more lobster by weight than any other port in Maine. The town sits at the southern tip of Deer Isle, connected to the mainland by a suspension bridge, and the drive down through the island is part of the experience. Haystack Mountain School of Crafts, one of the most respected craft programs in the country, draws artists from around the world and has seeded the island with potters, weavers, blacksmiths, and glassblowers who sell their work in local studios.
Take the mailboat to Isle au Haut. This is the reason many people come to Stonington, and it delivers. The remote section of Acadia National Park on Isle au Haut has rugged coastal trails, almost no crowds, and a boat ride through the island-dotted Penobscot Bay. Book your spot early in summer.
Respect the working waterfront. Stonington’s harbor is not a marina for pleasure boats. These are lobster boats, and the people on them are working. Stay out of the way at the docks, do not block boat ramps, and buy your lobster from the co-op to support the fleet directly.
Visit Haystack on Wednesday. Haystack Mountain School of Crafts opens its doors for public tours on Wednesday afternoons in summer. The campus, designed by architect Edward Larrabee Barnes, cascades down a hillside to the water’s edge. Even if you are not interested in craft, the architecture and setting are worth the trip.
Drive the full length of Deer Isle. The approach to Stonington from the suspension bridge at Sedgwick is half the experience. Stop at Nervous Nellie’s for jams and the sculpture garden, pull over at roadside studios, and take the side road to Haystack. The island unfolds slowly.
Eat lobster from the source. The Stonington Lobster Co-op on the town dock sells and cooks lobster right from the boats. This is not a restaurant experience. This is a picnic table on a dock with the freshest lobster you will ever eat.
The mailboat to Isle au Haut’s Duck Harbor Landing in Acadia runs June through mid-October, with limited daily trips. The boat has a capacity limit, and summer trips sell out. Book at least a week ahead for July and August. Bring everything you need for the day: water, food, layers, and rain gear. There are no services at Duck Harbor.
Skip the main road and take the Sunshine Road loop on the east side of Deer Isle. It passes through quiet farmland, past old cemeteries, and connects to several Island Heritage Trust preserves with waterfront trails. You will see almost no other visitors.
Granite and Lobster
Stonington’s history runs on two industries. In the late 1800s and early 1900s, the town was a granite quarrying powerhouse. Stonington granite went into bridges, buildings, and breakwaters up and down the East Coast. When the granite industry declined, lobstering took over and has not let go. Today, more than 300 boats work out of this harbor, landing more lobster by weight than any other port in Maine.
That dual identity gives Stonington its character. The old quarries are now swimming holes and nature preserves. The working waterfront is still the center of town life. And the artists who came for the light and the isolation, many of them drawn by Haystack, have woven a creative community into the fabric of a fishing village without displacing it.
Stonington vs Bar Harbor: which should I visit?
They are completely different experiences. Bar Harbor is a busy tourist hub and the gateway to Acadia's main attractions. Stonington is a quiet working village with almost no tourist infrastructure beyond a few inns and restaurants. If you want rugged authenticity and solitude, choose Stonington. If you want a wider range of dining, lodging, and park access, go to Bar Harbor. They are about 50 miles apart.
Can I see puffins from Stonington?
Yes. Isle au Haut Boat Services runs seasonal puffin cruises to remote nesting islands. The trips depart from the Stonington town dock and include narration about seabird ecology. Book in advance.
Is Deer Isle connected to the mainland?
Yes. The Deer Isle-Sedgwick Bridge, a suspension bridge built in 1939, connects Deer Isle to the town of Sedgwick on the mainland. The bridge is on Route 15, which is the only road access to the island.
Are the old quarries open to the public?
Some are. The most popular is the Settlement Quarry, managed by the Island Heritage Trust, with a short trail to a swimming quarry and ocean views. Crockett Cove Woods, a Nature Conservancy preserve, is another public option. Always check with the land trust for current access.
Spring
April-May. Muddy trails, cool temperatures, but lobster season is ramping up and the island is uncrowded.
Summer
June-August. Isle au Haut mailboat runs daily. Galleries and studios open. Best kayaking conditions.
Fall
September-October. Stunning light, smaller crowds, excellent photography. Many businesses close by late October.
Winter
November-March. Most tourist businesses closed. The harbor is still active, but services are very limited.
Things to Do
Isle au Haut (Acadia)
The mailboat from Stonington reaches the remote section of Acadia National Park on Isle au Haut. Rugged trails, coastal cliffs, and almost no crowds.
Sea Kayaking
The waters around Deer Isle and Stonington are studded with hundreds of islands. Guided kayak trips explore protected coves, seal haul-outs, and granite ledges.
Island Heritage Trust Trails
The trust maintains several preserves on Deer Isle with trails through spruce forest, along shorelines, and to panoramic overlooks.
Crockett Cove Woods Preserve
A Nature Conservancy preserve with a quiet trail through fog-draped spruce forest and moss-covered boulders. Feels ancient.
Stonington Harbor Sailing
Charter sailboats and windjammer daysails explore the Merchant Row islands, one of the most scenic sailing grounds in Maine.
Ames Pond
Small pond near the center of Stonington known for great blue herons, ospreys, and migrating warblers in spring and fall.
Where to Eat & Drink
Aragosta
Fine DiningJames Beard-nominated waterfront restaurant at the Goose Cove Lodge. Creative seafood and handmade pastas with harbor views.
Stonington Lobster Co-op
SeafoodBuy lobster straight from the fishermen at the co-op on the town dock. They will cook it for you right there. As fresh as it gets.
44 North Coffee
CafeIsland-roasted coffee in a bright downtown space. Good pastries and a gathering spot for locals and visitors alike.
Harbor Cafe
DinerNo-frills breakfast and lunch spot on Main Street where fishermen and artists share counter seats. Blueberry pancakes are the move.
Burnt Cove Market
Market / DeliCommunity grocery and deli on the road into Stonington. Good sandwiches, pizza, and supplies for Isle au Haut day trips.
Where to Stay
B&Bs & Inns
(1)Inn on the Harbor
InnHarbor-front inn with rooms overlooking the fishing fleet, a deck over the water, and walking access to downtown.
Campgrounds
(1)Old Quarry Ocean Adventures Campground
CampgroundOceanfront camping on the outskirts of Stonington with kayak rentals, boat launch, and guided island tours.
Shopping & Services
Nervous Nellie's Jams and Jellies
Artisan Food / SculptureWild fruit preserves and a sprawling outdoor sculpture garden made from reclaimed materials. One of Deer Isle's most unique stops.
Deer Isle Artists Association
Art GalleryCooperative gallery in downtown Stonington featuring painting, sculpture, photography, and craft from island artists.
Dockside Books & Gifts
BookstoreIndependent bookshop on Main Street with a strong Maine section, nautical books, and cards by local artists.
Events & Festivals
Stonington Lobsterboat Races
Annual race where working lobster boats compete for bragging rights. One of the loudest, most exciting summer events on the coast.
Island Heritage Trust Open Farm Day
Farms and preserves across Deer Isle open their doors for tours, tastings, and walks.
Fisherman's Day
Community celebration of the fishing heritage with lobster crate races, boat tours, live music, and a fish fry.
When to Visit Stonington
Spring
Apr - May
35-58F
Lobster season ramps up. Trails dry out. Most restaurants and shops open by late May.
Summer
Jun - Aug
55-78F
Peak season for Isle au Haut trips, kayaking, and gallery visits. Harbor is busy with lobster boats and visitors.
Fall
Sep - Nov
38-65F
Stunning fall light. Crowds thin out. Lobster prices often drop. Many businesses close by late October.
Winter
Dec - Feb
15-32F
Very quiet. Most tourist businesses closed. The harbor is still active with year-round fishermen.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know before visiting Stonington. Can't find your answer? Contact us.