When authorized, Highway 278 began at MN 100 and followed 36th Avenue North along the border of Crystal and Robbinsdale.

Upon reaching U.S. Route 52 (West Broadway), it traveled southeast concurrent with 52 and State Highway 218 to Lowry Avenue.

[1][2] In 1978, the western terminus was moved to US 52 from the previous MN 100, transferring the 36th Avenue North portion of the route to Robbinsdale city maintenance.

[3] In 1982, the remaining section of the route was decommissioned and transferred to county maintenance, becoming part of Hennepin County Road 153.

[4] The entire highway was in Hennepin County.