The section of the SR 97 northeast of Burro Creek Road had been built by 1939. Between 1946 and 1951, the section north of Burro Creek Road was improved and the section south built as a graded road. The road was logged as a state route in 1962 along its current routing, connecting SR 96 to the rest of the state highway system.
The section of SR 97 northeast of Burro Creek Road was built by 1939. Between 1946 and 1951, the northern segment was upgraded, while the southern portion was constructed as a graded road. The road was designated as a state route in 1962 along its current alignment, connecting SR 96 to the rest of the state's highway system.