It runs south–north in northeast Wisconsin from US 8 in Armstrong Creek to WIS 70, US 2 and US 141 in Florence.

The highway also serves the community of Fence and the areas surrounding the Pine and Popple rivers.

WIS 101 begins at a junction with US 8 in Armstrong Creek in eastern Forest County.

It continues northward through the forested Town of Fence, crossing the Popple River near a wayside.

After running through the community of Fern, the route turns to the east near Price Lake.