WIS 72 begins at an intersection with US 10 and US 63 in the Town of Ellsworth in Pierce County, east of the village of the same name.

WIS 72 continues eastward, intersecting County Trunk Highway DD (CTH-DD) before entering the Town of El Paso.

The road passes through the communities of Waverly and Rock Elm, then turns northeast toward Elmwood.

In Elmwood, the highway intersects WIS 128 at that route's southern terminus, then turns east and leaves the village.

The road heads east through farmland, crossing the Eau Galle River after meeting CTH-C for the first time.