It also serves as an expressway link between Des Moines and the outlying communities of Perry, Granger, and Grimes.

At Ute, it turns east and passes through Charter Oak before meeting U.S. Highway 59 (US 59) northwest of Denison.

Iowa 141 turns east and passes through Aspinwall and Manning before meeting US 71 south of Templeton.

Iowa 141 and US 71 run concurrently for 3 miles (4.8 km) before separating west of Dedham.

Iowa 141 originally ran from Sioux City to Denison but was extended to the Des Moines area in 1941.