The route descends into the Mississippi River valley along the northern border of Pikes Peak State Park and then turns into McGregor.

travels a narrow strip of land between the river and the bluffs where it passes the Isle of Capri casino.

ends at the foot of the Marquette–Joliet Bridge, which carries US 18 to Prairie du Chien, Wisconsin.

Iowa 76 follows Waterloo Creek for 2+1⁄2 miles (4.0 km) until they near the unincorporated community of Dorchester.

From Dorchester, the highway curves to the east and north, traveling 6 miles (9.7 km) to the Minnesota state line south of Eitzen.

[3] In 1989, Iowa 76 was extended 4+1⁄4 miles (6.8 km) to the south when a new bypass around McGregor was opened.