Thanks for the question.

It sounded as if you had a rewarding trek in nature.

1). The first picture is a bit blurry so I cannot attest to the complete accuracy of my identification. This might be either a Monarch butterfly (Danaus plexippus) or a Viceroy butterfly (Limenitis archippus). They are very similar in their appearances. It is a classic example of what we biologists term “mimicry”.  We have been receiving reports this season of a decline in Monarch sightings but we don't know the validity of these reports.  Neither Monarchs nor Viceroys are considered endangered.  See:

https://dismalswampwelcomecenter.com/monarch-or-viceroy/

https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/insects/monarchbutterfly.html - :~:text=The monarch butterfly is a,Minnesota's most well-known insects.

https://njaudubon.org/monarchs-and-viceroys-a-tale-of-mimicry/

2). The second picture, also presenting some challenges because of its blurriness, is a species of honey bee. The most common of such species in Minnesota is the Black and Gold Bumble Bee (Bombus auricomus). Its presence seems quite robust this season.  See:

https://www.inaturalist.org/check_lists/362872-Bumble-Bees-of-Minnesota

3). The insect in the third picture is a tad more interesting. This is a bee fly (Hemipenthes morio). It gets its name because although looking somewhat like a bee it is actually a fly. It is quite harmless but when I have watched them, I am always entertained by their persistent movements on flowers. Take a very close look in your picture at the posterior margins of the insect’s wings. They are transparent. You would never observe this in a typical bee species but is very characteristic in bee flies. It is rather common but elusive so not many folks see them other than those, such as you, with an observant eye.  See:

https://bugguide.net/node/view/4344

https://www.flickr.com/photos/nick-ransdale/<personal data hidden>

You had a most rewarding day! Thanks for including us in your wanderings.