When one is mulling over summer getaways, Kansas City, Kansas, is not a destination that comes to mind. However that may change after May 23rd, when Verrückt, the world's largest and tallest water slide located at the city's Schlitterbahn Water Park, opens up for business.

So how gnarly is Verrückt? Well let's just say it lives up to its name which means 'insane' in German. While the park officials will not reveal how tall it is until the opening day when they hope to smash the Guinness World Record, they boast that it definitely surpasses the height of the current record holder - Brazil's 14-story high Insano. To put it in perspective, Verrückt is taller than the Niagara Falls or the Statue of Liberty! Experts speculate that it measures at least 17-stories tall.

Those daring enough to take the plunge will begin their journey by scaling the 264-steps that will take them to the top. Once there, they along with three of their best friends or strangers that will become friends after sharing the experience, will be seated in a four-person inflatable raft and set loose.

While the company will not reveal how fast they will freefall until the opening day, they confirm that it is faster than Insano's 65mph. If that isn't enough to excite you, how about this? Following the initial steep heart-stopping plunge, riders will be propelled up and over a five-story hill, and then sent hurtling straight down, for the final descent!

Designed by Jeff Henry who co-owns the theme park, the slide tower that is built from railroad tanker cars that have been cut and welded into a single vertical tower, is fitted with bright lights that illuminate as the thrill-seekers come down. Jeff is also responsible for designing the special conveyer system that transports the rafts back up, as well as, the uphill push on a water slide - Something that has never been, done prior to this.

This is not the first time the 'Wizard of Water', as he is often called, has come up with a radical idea. Jeff is also responsible for many of the Water Park's other unusual attractions like the inland water surfing, uphill water coasters and endless tube rides. However, he too agrees that the Verrückt is his best creation yet - One that will be a game-changer not just for the Schlitterbahn Water Park, but for the entire industry.

Verrückt is currently undergoing extensive testing so that it is completely safe for those that are brave or crazy enough to ride it when it opens this Memorial Day Weekend! Are you going to be among them? Let us know by adding your comments below.

Resources: Kansas.com, odditycentral.com, nydailynews.com