Area code 517 serves south-central Michigan, including Lansing—the state capital—as well as Jackson, Battle Creek, and Adrian. One of the original area codes established in 1947, it has retained its boundaries despite Michigan’s growing telecom needs. Lansing, as the seat of government, gives 517 significant political weight, while the region also plays a role in education, healthcare, and manufacturing. Seven-digit dialing is still common in many areas. Area code 517 reflects Michigan’s blend of civic leadership, small-town values, and industrial heritage, marking it as a key identifier in the heart of the Great Lakes State.