608 Day Celebrates a Region in Transition

As Wisconsin celebrates 608 Day on June 8, the familiar area code that has defined southern and southwestern Wisconsin for generations now shares its territory with 353, marking a new chapter for a uniquely Wisconsin region. 

Todd Klassy
by Todd Klassy
608 Day Celebrates a Region in Transition
The rolling hills, winding valleys and patchwork of farms that define Wisconsin's Driftless Region are a big part of what it means to be "608." Stretching from Madison to the Mississippi River, the 608 area code covers much of southern and southwestern Wisconsin, including Green County, where dairy farming, cheese making, brewing traditions and small-town communities remain central to the region's identity.

The 608 area code now shares its map with 353, but the identity of southern and southwestern Wisconsin still belongs to the original three digits.

June 8th has become an unofficial day to celebrate the communities, farms, hills, supper clubs, breweries and small towns that make the 608 region feel distinct. Because it is.

New Glarus and much of southern and southwestern Wisconsin will celebrate 608 Day on Monday, June 8, even as the region’s familiar area code is no longer the only one assigned to new phone numbers here.

The 608 area code has not gone away. But in 2023, Wisconsin added 353 as an overlay for the same geographic region after 608 began running short of available phone-number prefixes. Existing 608 customers kept their numbers, while new customers and additional lines may now be assigned 353.

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