Arch Rock, a landmark on Mackinac Island. This image was taken around the year 1899. Photo: trialsanderrors via Flickr.

Quick, think of the oldest national park in the United States. Did Yellowstone come to mind? If so, well done.

Now, think of the second-oldest national park.

What did you come up with? Maybe Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Park on the West Coast? Yosemite National Park?

Try again. And this time, think a little bit closer to home.

Mackinac Island has the distinction of being the second-ever established national park in the United States – a triumph frequently forgotten, as national parks expert Bob Janiskee notes.

Natives to the Great Lakes region might already be well aware of the island’s rich history. What might not be as well known is that history dates back as far as 1875, when President Ulysses S. Grant declared Mackinac a national park. He did so merely three years after Yellowstone already had paved the way.

Janiskee details the interesting history of the island and how, for nearly 20 years, the park was actually maintained by the United States Army, housed in the island’s fort.

Another fun history fact? The only reason Mackinac received any federal attention as a potential park was thanks to a U.S. senator born on the island by the name of Thomas W. Ferry.

Of course, Mackinac no longer is a national park. Congress turned the park over to the state of Michigan in 1895, after the army decided to vacate and the park was in danger of falling into disrepair without a groundskeeper.

It’s hard to believe much has changed since then. Many of the luxury resorts still operate. And you’re still better off finding a horse-drawn carriage than any kind of vehicle.