Area Code 217

Where Is Area Code 217?

Residents in this portion of Illinois are accustomed to hay barrels and large open stretches of land. The 217 area code is used for the cities of Springfield, Champaign, and Decatur, which are all located in Illinois. As the capital of Illinois, Springfield has just over 100,000 residents.

Unless you are from the United States, you have probably never heard of the Springfield area code. However, chances are that you are familiar with the corn dog on a stick. Known internationally as an icon of American culture, the corn dog on a stick was invented in the 217 area code. The hot dog that is coated in a cornmeal batter is an artery clogging treat, which is deep fried and then put on a stick. People throughout the United States associate the corn dog with fairs and celebrations. As an easy on the go food, corn dogs are also frequently featured at football game tail gaits. Americans have fallen in love with this tasty treat. As a result, many companies have taken advantage of the corn dog’s popularity and made it available in frozen food aisles in grocery stores across America. Accordingly, corn dogs have now become a featured entrée on dinner plates of children and are often served with a side of tater tots. People have disputed whether the 217 area code is truly the origin of the corn dog but Springfield residents have stuck to their claim that it was invented at the Cozy Dog Drive In during the 1940s.

Springfield is also known as the home of the first drive-thru fast food restaurant. In many other countries, the drive-thru phenomenon has only recently appeared. However, the Maid-Rite Sandwich Shop was the first drive-thru in America to serve chili through its window to people sitting in the comfort of their cars. It all started in the 1930s but the drive-thru is currently an American staple in cities far beyond the 217 area code. Originally, drive-ins were what were usually expected at fast-food chains. People would sit in their cars while a server on roller blades would bring out their order to them.  However, the drive-thru allowed for quicker service and became an indispensable novelty in American culture.

Surprisingly, the small city of Springfield has a tourist industry. Abraham Lincoln, one of the most famous presidents in the United States, lived for more than 20 years in the 217 area code. Lincoln practiced law in Springfield prior to winning the presidential election. After his assassination, Lincoln was laid to rest in a cemetery in Springfield, which has remained a tourist attraction. About 400,000 people visit Abraham Lincoln’s home in Springfield every year. People also frequently visit Lincoln’s Tomb, which is located in the Oak Ridge cemetery in the 217 area code. With marble walls and gold accents, the tomb is a great tribute to one of America’s favorite presidents. The Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum also pays homage to American’s 16th president. People of all ages are enriched by the museum’s exhibits, which focus on Abraham Lincoln’s motivating history.

Champaign, Illinois has a population that is even smaller than Springfield, but it still maintains a thriving economy. Surrounded by farms, the Champaign area code is used as the headquarters for several Fortune 500 companies. Furthermore, the University of Illinois is partially located in Champaign, which has brought many young bright minds to the 217 area code. Accordingly, the University of Illinois employs more than 15% of Champaign’s residents, making it the biggest employer in the area.

Also located in area code 217, Decatur has a population that is just under 80,000. The Decatur area code is most known as the “Soybean Capital of the World,” but it is unknown how much truth there is to that label. Nevertheless, Decatur is frequently voted as one of the worst places in the United States to live. The weather in area code 217 is surprisingly unpleasant, receiving little sunshine especially on cold winter days. Additionally, crime rates in Decatur are more than twice the national average and the city is often hit by severe tornadoes. It is difficult to imagine why people would want to live in a city that is featured on the Travel Channel’s show Most Terrifying Places in America. Decatur was also featured in movies such as The Informant. Naturally, it is not a good thing for a city to be featured on any film production with titles that focus on invoking fear in its audience. Regardless, area code 217 is still loved by its residents and is often referred to as an all-American city.

Illinois Area Codes By Number