Welcome to our Beautiful Island!
Deer Isle still retains the flavor of New England life in the 1950’s: rural, neighborly, and safe. A cluster of small communities, with about 3,000 residents, comprise the year round population. Lobstering is the mainstay of the economy although due to the diversity of the Island’s businesses, many visitors from off Island. We are famous for our granite quarries. Internationally renowned Haystack Mountain School of Crafts has brought a wealth of artists and artisans to the Island, many of whom have chosen to live here. Galleries and studios dot the island, and some are open year around by appointment. The Stonington Opera House has achieved national recognition as a year round performing arts center and provides numerous productions throughout the year. Since the pandemic, the Town of Stonington opened their ballfield to a drive-in movie venue.
The schools, churches and community organizations are central in bringing the community together throughout the year. We are hopeful that, in time, we will return fully to public suppers, festivals, craft fairs, boat races, basketball games and other sports events, all of which promote a strong sense of community and Island pride.
A wide variety of accommodations are available from inns, motels and b&bs to rental cottages and campgrounds. Restaurants, coffee bars, antique shops, libraries, gift shops, book stores and galleries/studios all offer a rich selection of places to visit, to browse and to Buy Local. The Island Heritage Trust and the Deer Isle-Stonington Historical Society provide glimpses into our impressive history.
Deer Isle is a paradise for photographers, birders, boaters and kayakers, artists, naturalists and anyone who loves the outdoors. We are fortunate to have more than twelve very diverse nature conservancies. Several other conservancies are located on neighboring islands, including Acadia National Park land on Isle au Haut. The mixture of spruce-covered islands, quiet coves, granite outcroppings, fields of lupine and wildflowers, lobster boats, windjammers, glistening waters and pristine winter snow make a visit to Deer Isle, at any time of year, an enriching experience.