When the stratosphere tower--which claims to be...

When the Stratosphere Tower--which claims to be the tallest free-standing observation tower in the United States--opens Tuesday in Las Vegas, visitors will have to get high to enjoy some of

its most unusual features. Literally. The 1,149-foot tower (pictured above) houses a ground-level casino with 2,400 slot machines and 60 gaming tables, a 1,500-room hotel (room rates range

from $39 to $269) and a 140,000-square-foot shopping mall. When blackjack and buffets begin to pale, travelers have another option: They can take a 30-second ride in an elevator traveling

1,800 feet a minute to the tower’s top. There they will find observation decks, a revolving restaurant, three wedding chapels the world’s highest roller coaster and a second thrill ride that

seems designed for the stout of heart--and stomach. The roller coaster hurtles around the outside of the tower’s “pod” at 909 feet, using a track that’s banked sharply at 32-degree angles.

If that’s not heart-stopping enough, there’s Big Shot, a ride designed by a bungee-jumping company. Riders sit in a contraption that is attached to the needle atop the tower. They are shot

160 feet up the shaft at speeds of up to 45 mph, then drop back to the launching pad. Admission to the tower is pricey: $7 for adults, $5 for seniors and kids 4-12--even if all you want to

do is take in the views. Rides are $5 each. Reservations and information: (800) 99-TOWER. (BEGIN TEXT OF INFOBOX / INFOGRAPHIC) Vegas’ Highest Roller Big Shot: Shoots riders, at 45 mph, from

the 921-foot level to the 1,081-foot level, then lets them free-fall back to the launching pad High Roller: World’s highest roller coaster Level 12: High Roller boarding area and Big Shot

launching pad Level 9: Outdoor observation deck Level 8: Indoor observation deck Level 7: 220-seat cocktail lounge Level 6: Revolving restaurant Level 4: Conference and meeting rooms Level

3: Wedding chapels MORE TO READ