The northern terminus is at U.S. Highway 20 in Valentine.

It heads to the northwest through prairies where it meets NE 92 east of Tryon.

The highway runs concurrently with NE 92 to the west through Tryon, before splitting off and continuing northward.

It continues heading northward and to the northeast, passing the Merritt Reservoir along the way.

NE 97 also passes Nebraska Spur 16F just north of the reservoir before continuing to the northeast.