... looked more like something in the Vespidae. But as I am no expert, I think I'll move this to the Aculeata section, where someone with more knowledge is likely to put a better ID on it.

That sure looks like it to me.

Additional photos and specific location information/map here.

As far as size, the flower spike it is on in the 2nd photo (white prairie clover Dalea candida) is probably about 1.5-2" long for reference...

There's basically 0 chance of that species being found outside of a very small areas of Washington and British Columbia (which are now connected to separate introduction events). There are numerous color and structural differences as well (note particularly the lack of an orange head with a rather broad space behind the eye and that the wings aren't longitudinally folded while at rest). Size is also fairly difficult to judge in photos, but the species here is maybe half the size of the AGH.

The USDA has an info page on the species and common mistaken identities. It really isn't a good idea to try to ID that species unless you're familiar with it - reckless misidentification of species of significance (i.e. ecological, agricultural, medical, etc.) has resulted in the deaths of far too many innocent, native, and beneficial insects.