Apple Creek is an unincorporated community in south central Perry County, Missouri, United States,[1] though not to be confused with the town of Old Appleton which was originally known as Apple Creek.

[5][6] Apple Creek was originally known as Schnurbusch, and was named after a prominent family in the area.

In the early 1820s, German Catholic immigrants from the Baden area were the first to settle Apple Creek.

These immigrants left Europe from the nearest ports, namely Le Havre, France and Antwerp, Belgium, and arrived in Perry County via New Orleans.

[7][8] Our Lady of Saint Joseph shrine was built in 1857 and incorporates a cave spring with stonework and the via doloroso walkway.