Formed from a 1986 long-term agreement between the Illinois Department of Natural Resources and the Ameren Energy Generating Company, Coffeen Lake State Fish and Wildlife Area is a 297 acre state park, conservation, and recreation area surrounding Coffeen Lake. The area is rich in wildlife and generous for fishing and hunting. Go hiking, picnicking, and bird-watching and see a variety of South-Central Illinois' native and visiting animals such as American bald eagles, red-tailed hawks, herons, blue jays, various songbirds, bobwhites, coyotes, turtles, and white-tailed deer. Areas along the lake primarily consist of oak and hickory forests and prairie grass.

The lake serves as a cooling lake for the Ameren coal-fired powerplant nearby which circulates heat throughout the lake and creates an environment conducive to growing large fish. The park has vault bathrooms, boat ramps, fishing docks, and a private campground is nearby offering tent and RV camping, a restaurant, bait and tackle, and outdoor supplies.