Bruning was established in 1887 as a town on the railroad. It was named for Frank Bruning, a pioneer settler.
During World War II the U.S. Army Air Forces operated Bruning Army Airfield nearby. In October 1960, inventor and aviator Ed Yost used Bruning as the starting point for the first free flight of a modern, propane-fueled hot air balloon. Bruning has always been a progressive community. After the war Bruning was one of the first small towns to install dial telephones and build a modern sewage system. Curbing and paving was completed in 1974. Along with many new homes, we have a well-rounded business district with an outstanding grocery store, a new attorney's office, greatly increased capacity in the elevator. The Bruning Bank, now in the 4th generation of the Frank Bruning family, has been enlarged at least four times currently employing 20 people, with an insurance office in Ohiowa and loan office in Hebron.