It’s the northern most casino of what is considered “the Strip” (though Las
Vegas Blvd. continues north splitting off to 4th street and taking you to the
Downtown area) it’s larger than the Space Needle in Seattle WA, can be seen from
anywhere in the Vegas Valley and it has rides on top of it at 1,149 feet in the
air. In fact these are the world’s highest thrill rides. They include the Big
Shot, Insanity, X-Scream, and even a Bungee Jump. For more on the Bungee jump
view the Bungee Jumps section:
Rides on the tower are open Sunday thru Thursday from 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. and
on Friday, Saturday and on certain Holidays from 10 a.m. until 2 a.m. and this
may change in high winds or other extreme weather.
Big Shot
Here’s the main thing you should know about the Big Shot, you will want to
scream but you won’t be able to. This ride makes up the actual “needle” of the
Stratosphere when viewed from a distance, it is actually a ride which blasts you
up like a rocket ship and continues like so up and down for several rounds.
You’ll get the feeling of weightlessness as if you were an astronaut while you
free fall and view all of the Vegas Valley from the highest single point in
town.
Insanity
It’s aptly named. Granted a number of coasters could make the same claim, but
this is the only one that hangs 68 feet out over the edge of a 1,149 foot high
building as it spins insanely. If you can open your eyes you’ll have the most
amazing views of everything going on down below. Warning: it’s not all about
heights here. If you get queasy from a lot of spinning in circles it’s a long
way down for vomit to fall.
X-Scream
This roller coaster literally goes off the edge of the building. It’s an open
seat vehicle (with harnesses to hold you in of course) that works similar to a
giant teeter totter working on a track. If you like the feeling of a free fall
and an amazing view mixed with your death defying thrill seeking than X-Scream
is your ride.
