The route dips southeast into Wataga, crossing the BNSF Railroad before following the northern border of the city eastward.

It passes to the south of a group of small lakes near a junction with County Route 12.

Route 167 continues east into Victoria Township, passing to the north of Snakeden Hollow State Fish and Wildlife Area.

Route 167 is an undivided two-lane surface road for its entire length.

The Galesburg and Great Eastern Railroad once followed Illinois 167 from just east of Wataga to Victoria, where it turned south to serve the coal strip mines in the area.