Minneapolis, Minnesota

Where Is Area Code 612?

Area code 612 is in east-central Minnesota. It serves Minneapolis and a small group of nearby communities in Hennepin County. This area code is part of the Twin Cities region, which includes Minneapolis and St. Paul.

Area code 612 now covers most of the city of Minneapolis. It also serves some nearby places such as Richfield, Fort Snelling, and St. Anthony, depending on the exchange. Hennepin County is the main county in the 612 service area.

The 612 area includes some of Minnesota’s best-known landmarks. These include downtown Minneapolis, the Mississippi River through Minneapolis, and major sites such as U.S. Bank Stadium, Target Field, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden. Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport is also partly associated with the 612 area through Fort Snelling and nearby telephone exchanges.

History of Area Code 612

Area code 612 was one of the original North American area codes created in 1947. At first, it covered the entire state of Minnesota. It was one of the first area codes assigned when AT&T and the Bell System set up the North American Numbering Plan.

Area code 612 became smaller as Minnesota’s phone use grew. In 1954, most of southern Minnesota moved to area code 507, and in 1957, northern Minnesota moved to area code 218. The Twin Cities area later split again in 1998, when area code 651 was created for St. Paul and the east metro, and in 2000, area code 763 and area code 952 were created for many Minneapolis suburbs. Since that 2000 split, 612 has been used mainly for Minneapolis.

Key Facts About Area Code 612

• Area code 612 is in Minnesota, and its main city is Minneapolis.
• Area code 612 is in the Central Time Zone.
• Area code 612 was created in 1947 as one of the original area codes in the North American Numbering Plan.
• Area code 612 originally covered all of Minnesota before later splits reduced its size.
• Area code 651 split from 612 in 1998 and took St. Paul and much of the east metropolitan area.
• Area codes 763 and 952 split from 612 in 2000 and took many suburbs north, west, and south of Minneapolis.
• Area code 612 now serves a relatively compact urban area centered on Minneapolis in Hennepin County.
• Major institutions and landmarks in the 612 area include the University of Minnesota’s Minneapolis campus, U.S. Bank Stadium, and Target Field.

Frequently Asked Questions

What state is area code 612 in?

Area code 612 is in Minnesota.

What major cities use area code 612?

The main city that uses area code 612 is Minneapolis, with limited service in nearby communities such as Richfield, Fort Snelling, and St. Anthony.

Is area code 612 a toll-free number?

No. Area code 612 is a geographic area code for Minneapolis, Minnesota.