Area Code 312

Where Is Area Code 312?

The city of Chicago is known around the world for its huge sports fans, great universities, and thriving tourism industry. More than 2.5 million people live in the 312 area code. Surprisingly, the 312 area code is one of the smallest area codes in size, covering just a few square miles. Nevertheless, it is actively used by a lot of people. It was implemented in 1947 and is one of the original United States area codes. In 1996, extensive population growth in Chicago resulted in the 312 area code being split off into the 773 area code. Currently, suburbs of Chicago use the 773, 847, or 630 area codes. Population growth resulted in the 773 and 312 area codes being overlaid by the 872 area code in 2009. Accordingly, area code 312 is reserved for residents in Downtown Chicago and all residents in the 312 area code must dial the area code before the number even when making local calls.

More than 32 million tourists flock to the Chicago, IL area code each year, which brings in approximately $11 billion into the local economy annually. The Magnificent Mile is where most tourists spend their money. Upscale restaurants, hotels, and stores are spread out along the Magnificent Mile, which includes historic landmarks. For instance, the Allerton Hotel, Tribune Tower, Wrigley Building, and John Hancock Center are all located along the Magnificent Mile. In fact, several of the tallest buildings in the world are located in the 312 area code. The former Sears Tower, now called the Willis Tower, towers at 108 stories high. Tourists frequently go to the top of the tower to take pictures of the best views of Chicago. Upon arrival in the 312 area code, you will quickly notice that you constantly have to look up. As the birthplace of skyscrapers, Chicago buildings are all built to impress and cause the city to be under a shadow that is created by architecture.

A day in the life of a tourist in the Chicago area code is filled with a variety of entertainment. Even though the city is filled with stores, it still has a large selection of museums. For instance, Museum Campus in the 312 area code is home to the Shedd Aquarium, Field Museum of Natural History, and the Adler Planetarium. All of these offer interesting exhibitions that entertain young and old visitors alike. After spending the morning browsing through museums, many tourists work up quite the appetite for a slice of Chicago-style deep dish pizza. Luckily, all of the pizzerias in area code 312 offer the specialty pizza at an affordable price. Furthermore, locals enjoy sharing their love of Chicago-style deep dish pizza with tourists. In fact, locals and tourists are often found standing side by side in lines that are more than two hours long to get a bite of deep-dish pizza at the city’s most popular pizzerias. If you prefer taking your pizza to go, Chicago has several beautiful parks that are perfect for impromptu picnics. The parks are kept in immaculate shape and benches are provided near scenic flowers for tourists and locals to enjoy their lunchtime snacks. Accordingly, tourists are frequently seen having picnics in the park at lunchtime.

The Navy Pier is probably the most internationally recognized tourist attraction in the 312 area code. Built in the early 1900s, the Navy Pier attracts millions of tourists each year for its sightseeing cruises, Smith Museum of Stained Glass Windows, and IMAX Theater. The USS Chicago (Ca-136) is also on display at the pier, and invokes much awe from children and adults. The Ferris wheel is also a popular attraction at the Navy Pier, and along with a carousel it creates a year-long festival atmosphere in area code 312. To the delight of tourists, the pier hosts fireworks twice a week during the summer and fall, which is undoubtedly the highlight of any trip to the area code for Chicago.  

Illinois Area Codes By Number