A semi-urban road that ran entirely in Waukesha County, it went north from Pewaukee and turned east at Sussex toward Menomonee Falls.

The interchange is a jug-handle with exit ramps from Capitol Drive on the northeast and southeast corners.

At one time, this was the northern terminus for WIS 164, before it was extended north and routed to the west.

In Sussex, WIS 74 turned east onto Main Street, crossing over a set of railroad tracks and passing the Quad Graphics printing plant.

The route continued on Main Street in Menomonee Falls, where it crossed WIS 175 (Appleton Avenue).