Nature is a big draw for Boise, Idaho. The snow-capped Rocky Mountains serve as a breathtaking backdrop; the Boise River and its waterfront paths carve through the city; and outdoor activities like skiing, fishing, or snowshoeing are close at hand. But Boise is still a capital city with the dining, shopping, and culture to match. Top museums include the Idaho History Museum, the Boise Art Museum, the Basque Museum and Cultural Center, and the interactive Discovery Museum of Idaho. And then there’s the Old Idaho Penitentiary, which could be considered the Northwest’s answer to Alcatraz.