I'm not usually one to recommend tours. Normally, I'd opt to wander and explore rather than move station to station with a group or rent a set of headphones and listen my way through an exhibit.

But, this time was different. The visitor experience at Milwaukee's Growing Power Farms, 5500 W. Silver Spring Dr., is less of a general tour and more of an in-depth education.

Having read the plethora of articles focused on founder Will Allen's innovative urban farming techniques and shopped in the small outdoor market, I'd never taken the full tour and so I jumped on a spur of the moment chance last week.

Attracting visitors from around the country, the daily tours at Growing Power explain in detail every aspect of the working farm. And we're not just talking about a few fields of greens here.

From aquaponic fish farming to worm casting composting, the operation is complex to say the least. They have honey bee hives, chicken coups and a goat pen. It upholds the "farm" name in true form.

While the two-hour tour consumes a decent portion of your afternoon, it's well worth the time. Not only does it reveal Allen's innovative urban farming methods but it stresses the importance of understanding your surrounding community and the need to buy local.

It's another Milwaukee treasure to add to the list of unexpected gems in a city of vibrant resurgence. We're lucky to say the least.

You can make reservations for the Growing Power tour by calling (414) 527-1546. The tour runs seven days a week starting at 1 p.m.