 New industry came from iron ore , discovered in the north , mined relatively easily from open pits , and shipped to Great Lakes steel mills from the ports at Duluth and Two Harbors . Economic development and social changes led to an expanded role for state government and a population shift from rural areas to cities . The Great Depression brought layoffs in mining and tension in labor relations but New Deal programs helped the state . After World War II , Minnesota became known for technology , fueled by early computer companies Sperry Rand , Control Data and Cray . The Twin Cities also became a regional center for the arts with cultural institutions such as the Guthrie Theater , Minnesota Orchestra , and the Walker Art Center . 
