K-181 begins at K-232 (Post Rock Scenic Byway) near the Wilson Lake Dam just west of the Lincoln–Russell county line.

The highway begins by traveling to the east through small rolling hills for just over one mile (1.6 km).

The roadway then levels out entering rural farmlands and travels roughly 4.8 miles (7.7 km) before turning north.

K-181 continues north, and after 2.2 miles (3.5 km) crosses West Twin Creek, and then the Saline River.

The highway continues north for roughly seven miles (11 km) then turns west onto Buffalo Street on the south side of the city of Tipton.

After crossing the river Levy Road turns east, and K-181 continues north and enters the city of Downs as Morgan Avenue.

From the county line the road continues north through rural farmlands for about fifteen miles (24 km) and reaches its northern terminus at a diamond interchange with US-281 and US-36 just south of the city of Lebanon.

The section of K-181 from the Solomon River north to Downs was part of the Roosevelt National Highway and Kansas White Way auto trails.

[15] In 1972, it was extended from the Saline River bridge further southward then eastward 8.04 miles (12.94 km) to end at K-232.