The area code 612 is located in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Area code 612 anchors the core of Minneapolis, Minnesota, the largest city in the state and the heart of the Twin Cities. Centered in Hennepin County, it follows the Mississippi River through downtown, linking business districts, historic neighborhoods, and major universities. This Minneapolis area code is widely recognized across the region and is often tied to the city’s identity in sports, arts, and tech.
It covers Minneapolis and nearby inner-ring suburbs, including:
Landmarks within the 612 area include U.S. Bank Stadium (Minnesota Vikings), Target Field (Minnesota Twins), the University of Minnesota–Minneapolis campus, the Guthrie Theater, the Minneapolis Institute of Art, and the Minneapolis Sculpture Garden with the iconic Spoonbridge and Cherry. Popular neighborhoods like North Loop, Uptown, and Dinkytown also fall within 612, making it a key phone area code for city life, transit, and culture. With major hospitals, corporate HQs, and entertainment venues, 612 connects many of the region’s essential services.
History: 612 was established in 1947 as one of Minnesota’s original two area codes (along with 218) and later shrank as new area codes were added. Subsequent splits created 507 (1954), 320 (1996), 651 (1998), and 763/952 (2000), leaving 612 focused on Minneapolis and select nearby areas. The Twin Cities now use multiple area codes side by side, so 612 numbers often call across 651, 763, 952, and 507 within the metro. “612 was assigned in 1947 as one of Minnesota’s first two area codes.” — North American Numbering Plan Administrator (NANPA)
Looking up a Minneapolis phone number with the 612 area code usually means a strong tie to the city’s urban core, its riverfront, and its historic role as Minnesota’s economic and cultural center.