It is 25.89 miles (41.67 km) in length and runs at a southeast-to-northwest angle, though signed north–south.

The south terminus is at an intersection with Nebraska Highway 14 north of Fullerton.

The northern terminus is located north of Primrose at an intersection with Nebraska Highway 91.

It goes west through farmland and turns north to pass through Belgrade.

They overlap into Cedar Rapids, where Highway 52 turns north again.