The first 17 miles (27 km) of the route are a part of the Loess Hills Scenic Byway.

From Pisgah, Iowa 183 turns northeast and travels 7 miles (11 km) to Moorhead, where the LHSB splits off to the north.

[2] Northeast of Moorhead, it continues 5+1⁄2 miles (8.9 km) to Soldier, where it intersects Iowa Highway 37.

[4] After Interstate 29 (I-29) was built along the eastern bank of the Missouri River, Iowa 183 underwent some changes.

On July 1, 2003, the highway was shortened back to its original southern end east of Mondamin, now along Iowa 127.